A Hexagonal Nut-Like Metal-Organic Framework and Its Conformal Transformation

Hollow structured metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives are desired in catalysis, energy storage, etc. However, fabrication of novel hollow MOFs and revelation of their formation mechanisms remain challenging. Herein, open hollow 2D MOFs in the form of hexagonal nut are prepared through self-template method, which can be readily scaled up at gram scale in a one-pot preparation. The evolution from the initial superstructure to the final stable MOFs is tracked by wide-angle X-ray scattering, transforming from solid hexagon to open hollow hexagon. More importantly, this protocol can be extended to synthesizing a series of open hollow structured MOFs with sizes ranging from approximate to 120 to approximate to 1200 nm. Further, open hollow structured cobalt/N-doped porous carbon composites are realized through conformal transformation of the as-prepared MOFs, which demonstrates promising applications in sustainable energy conversion technologies. This study sheds light on the kinetically controlled synthesis of novel 2D MOFs for their extended utilizations.