Department of Chemistry Seminar - General synthesis and functionalization studies of monolayered metal-organic frameworks

Speaker: Professor Guangxu LAN

Institution: Peking University

Hosted By: Professor Yangjian QUAN

Abstract:

Monolayered metal-organic frameworks (monoMOFs) have emerged as an exciting frontier in framework chemistry, demonstrating significant potential for advanced functional applications. MonoMOFs inherit the highly ordered periodic structures, exceptional tunability, and versatile functionality of traditional three-dimensional (3D) MOFs. Notably, monoMOFs exhibit superior surface areas and greater accessibility of active sites, enabling more straightforward modification and functionalization. These advantageous characteristics address several intrinsic limitations of 3D MOFs, such as poor mass transfer efficiency, challenges associated with integrating large functional components, and limited catalytic effectiveness toward bulky molecular substrates. Despite these promising attributes, the synthesis mechanisms governing monoMOFs remain largely elusive, hindering systematic theoretical guidance and consistent synthesis protocols. Currently, monoMOF fabrication largely relies on empirical trial-and-error methods, limiting the creation of robust material foundations necessary for systematic functionalization. To address these challenges, we have developed a generalized synthesis method for monoMOFs and employed machine learning approaches to further optimize and predict synthesis outcomes. Using this approach, we have successfully demonstrated that monoMOFs surpass their 3D counterparts in both electrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications, highlighting their significant potential in energy conversion and catalysis fields.