Polymer-Grafting from MOF Nanosheets for the Fabrication of Versatile 2D Materials

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) materials based on metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are highly useful for electronic devices, catalysis, and energy storage systems because of their high structural designability and anisotropy. However, their high surface energy often causes aggregation and low dispersibility, which reduces their processability and performance. To address these fundamental issues, it is reported a new approach involving polymer grafting from the surfaces of MOF nanosheets. A newly discovered one-step synthetic pathway provides MOF nanosheets functionalized with a polymerization initiator agent on the surface with over 90% yield. Successive nitroxide-mediated living polymerization of vinyl monomers from the MOF nanosheet surfaces provides polymer-grafted nanosheets with superior dispersibility in many organic solvents. The polymer-decorated MOF nanosheets exhibit versatile property modulation, which allows for their protection and efficient use in applications such as photoredox catalysts and oil/water separation membranes. This polymer-grafting approach can facilitate the fabrication of surface-functionalized MOF nanosheets, which can lead to the wider application of 2D materials in various fields.