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High-quality patterning determines the properties of patterned emerging two-dimensional (2D) conjugated polymers and is essential for potential applications in future electronic nanodevices. However, the most suitable patterning method for 2D polymers has yet to be determined because we still do not have a comprehensive understanding of their damage mechanisms by visualizing the structural modification that occurs during the patterning process. Here, the damage mechanisms during patterning of 2D polymers, induced by various patterning methods, are unveiled based on a systematic study of structural damage and edge morphology in an imine-based 2D polymer (polyimine). Patterning using a focused electron beam, focused ion beam (FIB) and mechanical carving is evaluated. The focused electron beam successively introduces a sputtering effect, knock-on displacement damage and massive radiolysis with increasing electron dose from 9.46 × 10 7 electrons nm − 2 to 1.14 × 10 10 electrons nm − 2 . Successful patterning is enabled by knock-on damage but impeded by carbon contamination beyond a critical sample thickness. A FIB creates current-dependent edge morphologies and extensive damage from ion implantation caused by the tail of the unfocused beam. A precisely controlled tip can tear the polyimine film through grain boundaries and hence create a patterning edge with suitable edge roughness for certain application scenarios when beam damage is avoided. Taking structural damage and the resulting quantitative edge roughness into consideration, this study provides a detailed instruction on the proper patterning techniques for 2D crystalline polymers and paves the way for tailored intrinsic properties and device fabrication using these novel materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are prized for their selective dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to their widespread use in ionogel membranes for gas separation. Despite their advantages, creating sustainable ionogel membranes with high IL contents poses challenges due to limited mechanical strength, leakage risks, and poor recyclability. Herein, we leverage copolymerized and supramolecularly bound ILs to develop ionogel membranes with high mechanical strength, zero leakage, and excellent self‐healing and recycling capabilities. These membranes exhibit superior ideal selectivity for gas separation compared to other reported ionogel membranes, achieving a CO2/nitrogen selectivity of 61.7 and a CO2/methane selectivity of 24.6, coupled with an acceptable CO2 permeability of 186.4 Barrer. Additionally, these gas separation ionogel membranes can be upcycled into ionic skins for sensing applications, further enhancing their utility. This research outlines a strategic approach to molecularly engineer ionogel membranes, offering a promising pathway for developing sustainable, high‐performance materials for advanced gas separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are prized for their selective dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to their widespread use in ionogel membranes for gas separation. Despite their advantages, creating sustainable ionogel membranes with high IL contents poses challenges due to limited mechanical strength, leakage risks, and poor recyclability. Herein, we leverage copolymerized and supramolecularly bound ILs to develop ionogel membranes with high mechanical strength, zero leakage, and excellent self‐healing and recycling capabilities. These membranes exhibit superior ideal selectivity for gas separation compared to other reported ionogel membranes, achieving a CO2/nitrogen selectivity of 61.7 and a CO2/methane selectivity of 24.6, coupled with an acceptable CO2 permeability of 186.4 Barrer. Additionally, these gas separation ionogel membranes can be upcycled into ionic skins for sensing applications, further enhancing their utility. This research outlines a strategic approach to molecularly engineer ionogel membranes, offering a promising pathway for developing sustainable, high‐performance materials for advanced gas separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as unique electroactive materials for electronics and spintronics. The structural design and discovery of Kagome‐type 2D c‐MOFs exhibiting a metallic state are of paramount significance, yet remain rarely explored. Here, the solution synthesis of benzenehexol‐based 2D c‐MOFs based is presented on the tetrahydroxy‐1,4‐quinone (THQ) ligand. This study shows that controlling the pH of the reaction system to ≈7.5 yields an energetically favorable nonporous Cu3(C6O6) with a Kagome lattice, while at a pH of ≈10, the known porous Cu3(C6O6)2 with a honeycomb lattice is obtained. The crystal structures of both Cu3(C6O6)2 and Cu3(C6O6) are resolved with near‐atomic precision (resolution, 1.8 Å) using an imaging technique. Unlike the p‐type semiconducting behavior of Cu3(C6O6)2, theoretical studies identify Cu3(C6O6) as a metal due to its unique structural topology. The metallic state of Cu3(C6O6) is experimentally validated by terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS), which shows an increase in conductivity upon cooling. Scattering‐type scanning near‐field optical microscopy (s‐SNOM) measurements further support these findings by revealing an increase in normalized reflectivity with decreasing temperature. This work provides a new avenue for tailoring the structural topology of 2D c‐MOFs to attain the Kagome lattice and metallic state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional polymers (2DPs) and their layer‐stacked 2D covalent organic frameworks have recently emerged as nonlinear optical (NLO) materials for potential applications in optics. However, the chemistry for designing third‐order NLO 2DP films with large nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) has remained a mystery. Herein, three highly crystalline porphyrin‐integrated 2D polyimines (named as 2DPI‐Zn‐Azo, 2DPI‐2H‐Azo, and 2DPI‐Zn), which are homogeneous films showing large lateral areas over cm2, uniform transparency, and thickness of tens of nanometers are reported. Particularly, the 2DPI‐Zn‐Azo film comprising zinc porphyrin and –NN– displays a large saturable absorption under 532 nm and the highest β (−1.88 × 105 cm GW−1) among the three 2D polyimines, that is also 2–5 orders of magnitude higher than the state‐of‐art performance of photoactive small molecules, porphyrin‐integrated 2DPs, and inorganic 2D materials. Control experiments in combination with theoretical calculation discover that the embedding of metal centers and –NN– results in highly delocalized π‐electrons and narrow bandgap in 2DPI‐Zn‐Azo, which enables fast transfer of the photogenerated electrons after the light‐excited charge separation, thus boosting the NLO performance. This work opens up a new path for the construction of highly efficient third‐order NLO film materials, and pushes the development of 2DPs for optics and optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Vinylene‐linked two‐dimensional polymers (V‐2DPs) and their layer‐stacked covalent organic frameworks (V‐2D COFs) featuring high in‐plane π‐conjugation and robust frameworks have emerged as promising candidates for energy‐related applications. However, current synthetic approaches are restricted to producing V‐2D COF powders that lack processability, impeding their integration into devices, particularly within membrane technologies reliant upon thin films. Herein, we report the novel on‐water surface synthesis of vinylene‐linked cationic 2DPs films (V‐C2DP‐1 and V‐C2DP‐2) via Knoevenagel polycondensation, which serve as the anion‐selective electrode coating for highly‐reversible and durable zinc‐based dual‐ion batteries (ZDIBs). Model reactions and theoretical modeling revealed the enhanced reactivity and reversibility of the Knoevenagel reaction on the water surface. On this basis, we demonstrated the on‐water surface 2D polycondensation towards V‐C2DPs films that show large lateral size, tunable thickness, and high chemical stability. Representatively, V‐C2DP‐1 presents as a fully crystalline and face‐on oriented film with in‐plane lattice parameters of a=b≈43.3 Å. Profiting from its well‐defined cationic sites, oriented 1D channels, and stable frameworks, V‐C2DP‐1 film possesses superior bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI−)‐transport selectivity (transference, t_=0.85) for graphite cathode in high‐voltage ZDIBs, thus triggering additional TFSI−‐intercalation stage and promoting its specific capacity (from ~83 to 124 mAh g−1) and cycling life (>1000 cycles, 95 % capacity retention). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated coordination polymers (c‐CPs) are unique organic–inorganic hybrid semiconductors with intrinsically high electrical conductivity and excellent charge carrier mobility. However, it remains a challenge in tailoring electronic structures, due to the lack of clear guidelines. Here, we develop a strategy wherein controlling the redox state of hydroquinone/benzoquinone (HQ/BQ) ligands allows for the modulation of the electronic structure of c‐CPs while maintaining the structural topology. The redox‐state control is achieved by reacting the ligand TTHQ (TTHQ=1,2,4,5‐tetrathiolhydroquinone) with silver acetate and silver nitrate, yielding Ag4TTHQ and Ag4TTBQ (TTBQ=1,2,4,5‐tetrathiolbenzoquinone), respectively. In spite of sharing the same topology consisting of a two‐dimensional Ag−S network and HQ/BQ layer, they exhibit different band gaps (1.5 eV for Ag4TTHQ and 0.5 eV for Ag4TTBQ) and conductivities (0.4 S/cm for Ag4TTHQ and 10 S/cm for Ag4TTBQ). DFT calculations reveal that these differences arise from the ligand oxidation state inhibiting energy band formation near the Fermi level in Ag4TTHQ. Consequently, Ag4TTHQ displays a high Seebeck coefficient of 330 μV/K and a power factor of 10 μW/m ⋅ K2, surpassing Ag4TTBQ and the other reported silver‐based c‐CPs. Furthermore, terahertz spectroscopy demonstrates high charge mobilities exceeding 130 cm2/V ⋅ s in both Ag4TTHQ and Ag4TTBQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated coordination polymers (c‐CPs) are unique organic–inorganic hybrid semiconductors with intrinsically high electrical conductivity and excellent charge carrier mobility. However, it remains a challenge in tailoring electronic structures, due to the lack of clear guidelines. Here, we develop a strategy wherein controlling the redox state of hydroquinone/benzoquinone (HQ/BQ) ligands allows for the modulation of the electronic structure of c‐CPs while maintaining the structural topology. The redox‐state control is achieved by reacting the ligand TTHQ (TTHQ=1,2,4,5‐tetrathiolhydroquinone) with silver acetate and silver nitrate, yielding Ag4TTHQ and Ag4TTBQ (TTBQ=1,2,4,5‐tetrathiolbenzoquinone), respectively. In spite of sharing the same topology consisting of a two‐dimensional Ag−S network and HQ/BQ layer, they exhibit different band gaps (1.5 eV for Ag4TTHQ and 0.5 eV for Ag4TTBQ) and conductivities (0.4 S/cm for Ag4TTHQ and 10 S/cm for Ag4TTBQ). DFT calculations reveal that these differences arise from the ligand oxidation state inhibiting energy band formation near the Fermi level in Ag4TTHQ. Consequently, Ag4TTHQ displays a high Seebeck coefficient of 330 μV/K and a power factor of 10 μW/m ⋅ K2, surpassing Ag4TTBQ and the other reported silver‐based c‐CPs. Furthermore, terahertz spectroscopy demonstrates high charge mobilities exceeding 130 cm2/V ⋅ s in both Ag4TTHQ and Ag4TTBQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Two‐dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as a unique subclass of layer‐stacked crystalline coordination polymers that simultaneously possess porous and conductive properties, and have broad application potential in energy and electronic devices. However, to make the best use of the intrinsic electronic properties and structural features of 2D c‐MOFs, the controlled synthesis of hierarchically nanostructured 2D c‐MOFs with high crystallinity and customized morphologies is essential, which remains a great challenge. Herein, we present a template strategy to synthesize a library of 2D c‐MOFs with controlled morphologies and dimensions via insulating MOFs‐to‐c‐MOFs transformations. The resultant hierarchically nanostructured 2D c‐MOFs feature intrinsic electrical conductivity and higher surface areas than the reported bulk‐type 2D c‐MOFs, which are beneficial for improved access to active sites and enhanced mass transport. As proof‐of‐concept applications, the hierarchically nanostructured 2D c‐MOFs exhibit a superior performance for electrical properties related applications (hollow Cu‐BHT nanocubes‐based supercapacitor and Cu‐HHB nanoflowers‐based chemiresistive gas sensor), achieving over 225 % and 250 % improvement in specific capacity and response intensity over the corresponding bulk type c‐MOFs, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water surface provides a highly effective platform for the synthesis of two-dimensional polymers (2DP). In this study, we present an efficient on-water surface synthesis of crystalline monolayer 2D polyimide (2DPI) through the imidization reaction between tetra (4-aminophenyl) porphyrin (M1) and perylenetracarboxylic dianhydride (M2), resulting in excellent stability and coverage over a large area (tens of cm2). We further fabricate innovative organic-inorganic hybrid van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) by combining with exfoliated few-layer molybdenum sulfide (MoS2). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals face-to-face stacking between MoS2 and 2DPI within the vdWH. This stacking configuration facilitates remarkable charge transfer and noticeable n-type doping effects from monolayer 2DPI to MoS2, as corroborated by Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence measurements, and field-effect transistor (FET) characterizations. Notably, the 2DPI-MoS2 vdWH exhibits an impressive electron mobility of 50 cm2/V·s, signifying a substantial improvement over pristine MoS2 (8 cm2/V·s). This study unveils the immense potential of integrating 2D polymers to enhance semiconductor device functionality through tailored vdWHs, thereby opening up exciting new avenues for exploring unique interfacial physical phenomena. The water surface has recently proven to be an effective platform for the synthesis of large-area two-dimensional polymers with high crystallinity. Here, the authors report the on-water synthesis of a crystalline monolayer 2D polyimide, as well as its incorporation into organic–inorganic hybrid van der Waals heterostructures that display significant charge transfer and high electron mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling site-selectivity and reactivity in chemical reactions continues to be a key challenge in modern synthetic chemistry. Here, we demonstrate the discovery of site-selective chemical reactions on the water surface via a sequential assembly approach. A negatively charged surfactant monolayer on the water surface guides the electrostatically driven, epitaxial, and aligned assembly of reagent amino-substituted porphyrin molecules, resulting in a well-defined J-aggregated structure. This constrained geometry of the porphyrin molecules prompts the subsequent directional alignment of the perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride reagent, enabling the selective formation of a one-sided imide bond between porphyrin and reagent. Surface-specific in-situ spectroscopies reveal the underlying mechanism of the dynamic interface that promotes multilayer growth of the site-selective imide product. The site-selective reaction on the water surface is further demonstrated by three reversible and irreversible chemical reactions, such as imide-, imine-, and 1, 3-diazole (imidazole)- bonds involving porphyrin molecules. This unique sequential assembly approach enables site-selective chemical reactions that can bring on-water surface synthesis to the forefront of modern organic chemistry. Controlling site-selectivity and reactivity in chemical reactions continues to be a key challenge in modern synthetic chemistry. Here, the authors demonstrate the assembly of amino-substituted porphyrins on a water surface into J-aggregate structures in the presence of charged surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a polymerizable type‐IV deep eutectic solvent (DES) is synthesized via the coordination reaction between acrylamide and SbCl3, and for the first time it is demonstrated that the resultant type‐IV DES‐based polymers can exhibit luminescence after polymerization due to the efficient Sb‐ligand and ligand–ligand charge transfer. Notably, the quantum yield of Sb‐ligand charge transfer emission can be tuned with the controllable reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (raft) polymerization of acrylamide, reaching up to 15.32%. As a proof‐of‐concept application, the polymerizable DES is utilized as fluorescent anti‐counterfeit ink, successfully realizing the fluorescence encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Electrochemical proton storage plays an essential role in designing next‐generation high‐rate energy storage devices, e.g., aqueous batteries. Two‐dimensional conjugated covalent organic frameworks (2D c‐COFs) are promising electrode materials, but their competitive proton and metal‐ion insertion mechanisms remain elusive, and proton storage in COFs is rarely explored. Here, we report a perinone‐based poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL)‐ladder‐type 2D c‐COF for fast proton storage in both a mild aqueous Zn‐ion electrolyte and strong acid. We unveil that the discharged C−O− groups exhibit largely reduced basicity due to the considerable π‐delocalization in perinone, thus affording the 2D c‐COF a unique affinity for protons with fast kinetics. As a consequence, the 2D c‐COF electrode presents an outstanding rate capability of up to 200 A g−1 (over 2500 C), surpassing the state‐of‐the‐art conjugated polymers, COFs, and metal–organic frameworks. Our work reports the first example of pure proton storage among COFs and highlights the great potential of BBL‐ladder‐type 2D conjugated polymers in future energy devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous reactions associated with porous solid films are ubiquitous and play an important role in both nature and industrial processes. However, due to the no-slip boundary condition in pressure-driven flows, the interfacial mass transfer between the porous solid surface and the environment is largely limited to slow molecular diffusion, which severely hinders the enhancement of heterogeneous reaction kinetics. Herein, we report a hierarchical-structure-accelerated interfacial dynamic strategy to improve interfacial gas transfer on hierarchical conductive metal-organic framework (c-MOF) films. Hierarchical c-MOF films are synthesized via the in-situ transformation of insulating MOF film precursors using π-conjugated ligands and comprise both a nanoporous shell and hollow inner voids. The introduction of hollow structures in the c-MOF films enables an increase of gas permeability, thus enhancing the motion velocity of gas molecules toward the c-MOF film surface, which is more than 8.0-fold higher than that of bulk-type film. The c-MOF film-based chemiresistive sensor exhibits a faster response towards ammonia than other reported chemiresistive ammonia sensors at room temperature and a response speed 10 times faster than that of the bulk-type film. Heterogeneous reactions associated with porous films are vital in nature and industry. A hierarchical-structure-accelerated interfacial dynamic strategy is reported to improve interfacial gas transfer on conductive metal-organic framework films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Two‐dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as a unique class of electronic materials. However, 2D c‐MOFs with band gaps in the Vis‐NIR and high charge carrier mobility are rare. Most of the reported conducting 2D c‐MOFs are metallic (i.e. gapless), which largely limits their use in logic devices. Herein, we design a phenanthrotriphenylene‐based, D2h‐symmetric π‐extended ligand (OHPTP), and synthesize the first rhombic 2D c‐MOF single crystals (Cu2(OHPTP)). The continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED) analysis unveils the orthorhombic crystal structure at the atomic level with a unique slipped AA stacking. The Cu2(OHPTP) is a p‐type semiconductor with an indirect band gap of ≈0.50 eV and exhibits high electrical conductivity of 0.10 S cm−1 and high charge carrier mobility of ≈10.0 cm2 V−1 s−1. Theoretical calculations underline the predominant role of the out‐of‐plane charge transport in this semiquinone‐based 2D c‐MOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted increasing interest for broad applications in catalysis and gas separation due to their high porosity. However, the insulating feature and the limited active sites hindered MOFs as photocathode active materials for application in photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, we develop a layered conductive two‐dimensional conjugated MOF (2D c‐MOF) comprising sp‐carbon active sites based on arylene‐ethynylene macrocycle ligand via CuO4 linking, named as Cu3HHAE2. This sp‐carbon 2D c‐MOF displays apparent semiconducting behavior and broad light absorption till the near‐infrared band (1600 nm). Due to the abundant acetylene units, the Cu3HHAE2 could act as the first case of MOF photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation and presents a record hydrogen‐evolution photocurrent density of ≈260 μA cm−2 at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode among the structurally‐defined cocatalyst‐free organic photocathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite superb instrumental resolution in modern transmission electron microscopes (TEM), high-resolution imaging of organic two-dimensional (2D) materials is a formidable task. Here, we present that the appropriate selection of the incident electron energy plays a crucial role in reducing the gap between achievable resolution in the image and the instrumental limit. Among a broad range of electron acceleration voltages (300 kV, 200 kV, 120 kV, and 80 kV) tested, we found that the highest resolution in the HRTEM image is achieved at 120 kV, which is 1.9 Å. In two imine-based 2D polymer thin films, unexpected molecular interstitial defects were unraveled. Their structural nature is identified with the aid of quantum mechanical calculations. Furthermore, the increased image resolution and enhanced image contrast at 120 kV enabled the detection of functional groups at the pore interfaces. The experimental setup has also been employed for an amorphous organic 2D material. High-resolution imaging of organic 2D materials using transmission electron microscopes is challenging. Here, the authors find the optimal electron acceleration voltage, and demonstrate 1.9 Å resolution, enabling detection of interstitial defects and functional groups in 2D polymer thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) membranes are emerging candidates for osmotic energy conversion. However, the trade-off between ion selectivity and conductivity remains the key bottleneck. Here we demonstrate a fully crystalline imine-based 2D polymer (2DPI) membrane capable of combining excellent ionic conductivity and high selectivity for osmotic energy conversion. The 2DPI can preferentially transport cations with Na+ selectivity coefficient of 0.98 (Na+/Cl− selectivity ratio ~84) and K+ selectivity coefficient of 0.93 (K+/Cl− ratio ~29). Moreover, the nanometer-scale thickness (~70 nm) generates a substantially high ionic flux, contributing to a record power density of up to ~53 W m−2, which is superior to most of nanoporous 2D membranes (0.8~35 W m−2). Density functional theory unveils that the oxygen and imine nitrogen can both function as the active sites depending on the ionization state of hydroxyl groups, and the enhanced interaction of Na+ versus K+ with 2DPI plays a significant role in directing the ion selectivity. Two-dimensional (2D) membranes are emerging candidates for osmotic energy conversion but the trade-off between ion selectivity and conductivity remains the key bottleneck. Here, the authors demonstrate a fully crystalline imine-based 2D polymer membrane capable of combining excellent ionic conductivity and high selectivity for osmotic energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical functionalization of π-conjugated units plays a key role in fine tuning their supramolecular organizations and functions. Herein, five 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives were prepared where the naphthalimide moiety was attached to the imidazolium ring through a propyl linker. On the other side, the imidazolium ring was modified with either a branched aliphatic chain of 2-ethyl-hexyl (C2C6, 1), 2-hexyl-decyl (C6C10, 2) and 2-decyl-tetradecyl (C10C14, 3), or a linear aliphatic chain of octyl (C8, 1′) and hexadecyl (C16, 2′). Temperature-dependent structural evolution of these alkylated, naphthalimide-modified imidazolium bromides (abbreviated to a-NaphImiBrs hereafter) were investigated in detail by differential scanning calorimetry and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements as well as polarized optical microscopy observations. The compound with the shortest branched aliphatic chain (1) self-organized into a columnar oblique (Colo) phase at room temperature, which changed to a columnar rectangular (Colr) phase upon heating. In comparison, its counterpart with a linear aliphatic chain of the same carbon number (1′) formed a crystal at room temperature, which shifted to a Colo phase at elevated temperature. The compound with a medium branched aliphatic chain (2) showed a columnar hexagonal (Colh) organization at room temperature, which changed to a smectic (Sm) phase upon heating. Compounds with longer aliphatic chains (2′, 3), regardless of whether branched or linear, only exhibit the Sm phase. Films of a-NaphImiBrs formed at room temperature were subjected to evaluations for their nonlinear optical (NLO) responses where reverse saturated absorption was observed in all the cases. It was found that 2 showed the best NLO response with a third order nonlinear absorption coefficient of up to 0.49 cm W−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the charge transport properties of phytic acid (PA) doped polyaniline thin films prepared by the surfactant monolayer‐assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS). Structural and elemental analysis confirms the inclusion of PA in the thin films and reveals a progressive loss of crystallinity with the increase of PA doping content. Charge transport properties are interrogated by time‐resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. Notably, independently of doping content and hence crystallinity, the frequency‐resolved complex conductivity spectra in the THz region can be properly described by the Drude model, demonstrating band‐like charge transport in the samples and state‐of‐the‐art charge carrier mobilities of ≈1 cm2V−1s−1. A temperature‐dependent analysis for the conductivity further supports band‐like charge transport and suggest that charge carrier mobility is primarily limited by impurity scattering. This work highlights the potential of PA doped polyaniline for organic electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as electroactive materials for chemiresistive sensors, but selective sensing with fast response/recovery is a challenge. Phthalocyanine‐based Ni2[MPc(NH)8] 2D c‐MOF films are presented as active layers for polarity‐selective chemiresisitors toward water and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Surface‐hydrophobic modification by grafting aliphatic alkyl chains on 2D c‐MOF films decreases diffused analytes into the MOF backbone, resulting in a considerably accelerated recovery progress (from ca. 50 to ca. 10 s) during humidity sensing. Toward VOCs, the sensors deliver a polarity‐selective response among alcohols but no signal for low‐polarity aprotic hydrocarbons. The octadecyltrimethoxysilane‐modified Ni2[MPc(NH)8] based sensor displays high‐performance methanol sensing with fast response (36 s)/recovery (13 s) and a detection limit as low as 10 ppm, surpassing reported room‐temperature chemiresistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as electroactive materials for chemiresistive sensors, but selective sensing with fast response/recovery is a challenge. Phthalocyanine‐based Ni2[MPc(NH)8] 2D c‐MOF films are presented as active layers for polarity‐selective chemiresisitors toward water and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Surface‐hydrophobic modification by grafting aliphatic alkyl chains on 2D c‐MOF films decreases diffused analytes into the MOF backbone, resulting in a considerably accelerated recovery progress (from ca. 50 to ca. 10 s) during humidity sensing. Toward VOCs, the sensors deliver a polarity‐selective response among alcohols but no signal for low‐polarity aprotic hydrocarbons. The octadecyltrimethoxysilane‐modified Ni2[MPc(NH)8] based sensor displays high‐performance methanol sensing with fast response (36 s)/recovery (13 s) and a detection limit as low as 10 ppm, surpassing reported room‐temperature chemiresistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional polymers (2DPs) are a class of atomically/molecularly thin crystalline organic 2D materials. They are intriguing candidates for the development of unprecedented organic–inorganic 2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) with exotic physicochemical properties. In this work, we demonstrate the on‐water surface synthesis of large‐area (cm2), monolayer 2D polyimide (2DPI) with 3.1‐nm lattice. Such 2DPI comprises metal‐free porphyrin and perylene units linked by imide bonds. We further achieve a scalable synthesis of 2DPI‐graphene (2DPI‐G) vdWHs via a face‐to‐face co‐assembly of graphene and 2DPI on the water surface. Remarkably, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy reveals an ultra‐fast interlayer charge transfer (ca. 60 fs) in the resultant 2DPI‐G vdWH upon protonation by acid, which is equivalent to that of the fastest reports among inorganic 2D vdWHs. Such large interlayer electronic coupling is ascribed to the interlayer cation–π interaction between 2DP and graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional polymers (2DPs) are a class of atomically/molecularly thin crystalline organic 2D materials. They are intriguing candidates for the development of unprecedented organic–inorganic 2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) with exotic physicochemical properties. In this work, we demonstrate the on‐water surface synthesis of large‐area (cm2), monolayer 2D polyimide (2DPI) with 3.1‐nm lattice. Such 2DPI comprises metal‐free porphyrin and perylene units linked by imide bonds. We further achieve a scalable synthesis of 2DPI‐graphene (2DPI‐G) vdWHs via a face‐to‐face co‐assembly of graphene and 2DPI on the water surface. Remarkably, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy reveals an ultra‐fast interlayer charge transfer (ca. 60 fs) in the resultant 2DPI‐G vdWH upon protonation by acid, which is equivalent to that of the fastest reports among inorganic 2D vdWHs. Such large interlayer electronic coupling is ascribed to the interlayer cation–π interaction between 2DP and graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 21st century has seen a reinvention of how modern electronics impact our daily lives; silicon-electronics and organic electronics are currently at the core of modern electronics. Recent advances have demonstrated that conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as another unique class of electronic materials, are emerging to provide additional possibility for multifunctional electronic devices that brings us "MOFtronics". Typically, two-dimensional conjugated MOFs (2D c-MOFs) are a novel class of layer-stacked MOFs with in-plane extended π-conjugation that exhibit unique properties such as intrinsic porosity, crystallinity, stability, and electrical conductivity as well as tailorable band gaps. Benefiting from their unique features and high conductivity, 2D c-MOFs have displayed great potential for multiple high-performance (opto)electronic, magnetic, and energy devices. In this review article, we introduce the chemical and synthetic methodologies of 2D c-MOFs, intrinsic influences on their electronic structures and charge transport properties, as well as multifunctional applications of this class of materials for MOFtronics and potential power sources for MOFtronics. We highlight the benefits and limitations of thus-far developed 2D c-MOFs from synthesis to function and offer our perspectives in regard to the challenges to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated polymers have received broad academic and industrial attention for optoelectronic applications. In contrast to linear (one-dimensional, 1D) conjugated polymers, the successive increase of dimensionality by covalently connecting multiple strands towards two-dimensional (2D) conjugated polymers (2DCPs) for organic electronics remains less explored. In this review article, we will summarize the current reports about 2DCPs through liquid-interface-assisted synthesis (LIAS), including Langmuir–Blodgett-assisted synthesis and liquid–liquid interfacial synthesis as well as surfactant-monolayer-assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS). Representative synthetic 2DCPs will be introduced, including graphyne, 2D conjugated covalent organic frameworks (2D c-COFs) and 2D conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs), with emphasis on film synthesis by LIAS. Generally, these synthetic 2DCP films are intrinsic (semi-)conductors with tunable band gaps and possess high crystallinity, large-area, free-standing and single-/multi-layer features, which make processing and electronic device integration facile. To this end, we will discuss the application studies of 2DCP films in field-effect transistors (FETs), memristors and photodetectors, including the description of the device fabrication and unique performance. Finally, challenges and perspectives are provided regarding the future development of LIAS methods toward 2DCP films with diverse structural and functional control as well as the existing key questions for organic electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D conjugated metal‐organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as a novel class of conductive redox‐active materials for electrochemical energy storage. However, developing 2D c‐MOFs as flexible thin‐film electrodes have been largely limited, due to the lack of capability of solution‐processing and integration into nanodevices arising from the rigid powder samples by solvothermal synthesis. Here, the synthesis of phthalocyanine‐based 2D c‐MOF (Ni2[CuPc(NH)8]) nanosheets through ball milling mechanical exfoliation method are reported. The nanosheets feature with average lateral size of ≈160 nm and mean thickness of ≈7 nm (≈10 layers), and exhibit high crystallinity and chemical stability as well as a p‐type semiconducting behavior with mobility of ≈1.5 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature. Benefiting from the ultrathin feature, the nanosheets allow high utilization of active sites and facile solution‐processability. Thus, micro‐supercapacitor (MSC) devices are fabricated mixing Ni2[CuPc(NH)8] nanosheets with exfoliated graphene, which display outstanding cycling stability and a high areal capacitance up to 18.9 mF cm−2; the performance surpasses most of the reported conducting polymers‐based and 2D materials‐based MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recent progress in the synthesis of crystalline boronate ester covalent organic frameworks (BECOFs) in powder and thin‐film through solvothermal method and on‐solid‐surface synthesis, respectively, their applications in electronics, remain less explored due to the challenges in thin‐film processability and device integration associated with the control of film thickness, layer orientation, stability and crystallinity. Moreover, although the crystalline domain sizes of the powder samples can reach micrometer scale (up to ≈1.5 μm), the reported thin‐film samples have so far rather small crystalline domains up to 100 nm. Here we demonstrate a general and efficient synthesis of crystalline two‐dimensional (2D) BECOF films composed of porphyrin macrocycles and phenyl or naphthyl linkers (named as 2D BECOF‐PP or 2D BECOF‐PN) by employing a surfactant‐monolayer‐assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS) on the water surface. The achieved 2D BECOF‐PP is featured as free‐standing thin film with large single‐crystalline domains up to ≈60 μm2 and tunable thickness from 6 to 16 nm. A hybrid memory device composed of 2D BECOF‐PP film on silicon nanowire‐based field‐effect transistor is demonstrated as a bio‐inspired system to mimic neuronal synapses, displaying a learning–erasing–forgetting memory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recent progress in the synthesis of crystalline boronate ester covalent organic frameworks (BECOFs) in powder and thin‐film through solvothermal method and on‐solid‐surface synthesis, respectively, their applications in electronics, remain less explored due to the challenges in thin‐film processability and device integration associated with the control of film thickness, layer orientation, stability and crystallinity. Moreover, although the crystalline domain sizes of the powder samples can reach micrometer scale (up to ≈1.5 μm), the reported thin‐film samples have so far rather small crystalline domains up to 100 nm. Here we demonstrate a general and efficient synthesis of crystalline two‐dimensional (2D) BECOF films composed of porphyrin macrocycles and phenyl or naphthyl linkers (named as 2D BECOF‐PP or 2D BECOF‐PN) by employing a surfactant‐monolayer‐assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS) on the water surface. The achieved 2D BECOF‐PP is featured as free‐standing thin film with large single‐crystalline domains up to ≈60 μm2 and tunable thickness from 6 to 16 nm. A hybrid memory device composed of 2D BECOF‐PP film on silicon nanowire‐based field‐effect transistor is demonstrated as a bio‐inspired system to mimic neuronal synapses, displaying a learning–erasing–forgetting memory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐layer and multi‐layer 2D polyimine films have been achieved through interfacial synthesis methods. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve the maximum degree of crystallinity in the 2D polyimines, which largely limits the long‐range transport properties. Here we employ a surfactant‐monolayer‐assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS) method for the successful preparation of porphyrin and triazine containing polyimine‐based 2D polymer (PI‐2DP) films with square and hexagonal lattices, respectively. The synthetic PI‐2DP films are featured with polycrystalline multilayers with tunable thickness from 6 to 200 nm and large crystalline domains (100–150 nm in size). Intrigued by high crystallinity and the presence of electroactive porphyrin moieties, the optoelectronic properties of PI‐2DP are investigated by time‐resolved terahertz spectroscopy. Typically, the porphyrin‐based PI‐2DP 1 film exhibits a p‐type semiconductor behavior with a band gap of 1.38 eV and hole mobility as high as 0.01 cm2 V−1 s−1, superior to the previously reported polyimine based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐layer and multi‐layer 2D polyimine films have been achieved through interfacial synthesis methods. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve the maximum degree of crystallinity in the 2D polyimines, which largely limits the long‐range transport properties. Here we employ a surfactant‐monolayer‐assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS) method for the successful preparation of porphyrin and triazine containing polyimine‐based 2D polymer (PI‐2DP) films with square and hexagonal lattices, respectively. The synthetic PI‐2DP films are featured with polycrystalline multilayers with tunable thickness from 6 to 200 nm and large crystalline domains (100–150 nm in size). Intrigued by high crystallinity and the presence of electroactive porphyrin moieties, the optoelectronic properties of PI‐2DP are investigated by time‐resolved terahertz spectroscopy. Typically, the porphyrin‐based PI‐2DP 1 film exhibits a p‐type semiconductor behavior with a band gap of 1.38 eV and hole mobility as high as 0.01 cm2 V−1 s−1, superior to the previously reported polyimine based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly effective electrocatalysts promoting CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is extremely desirable to produce value-added chemicals/fuels while addressing current environmental challenges. Herein, we develop a layer-stacked, bimetallic two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic framework (2D c-MOF) with copper-phthalocyanine as ligand (CuN4) and zinc-bis(dihydroxy) complex (ZnO4) as linkage (PcCu-O8-Zn). The PcCu-O8-Zn exhibits high CO selectivity of 88%, turnover frequency of 0.39 s−1 and long-term durability (>10 h), surpassing thus by far reported MOF-based electrocatalysts. The molar H2/CO ratio (1:7 to 4:1) can be tuned by varying metal centers and applied potential, making 2D c-MOFs highly relevant for syngas industry applications. The contrast experiments combined with operando spectroelectrochemistry and theoretical calculation unveil a synergistic catalytic mechanism; ZnO4 complexes act as CO2RR catalytic sites while CuN4 centers promote the protonation of adsorbed CO2 during CO2RR. This work offers a strategy on developing bimetallic MOF electrocatalysts for synergistically catalyzing CO2RR toward syngas synthesis. Effective electrocatalyst is crucial in promoting CO2 reduction to address current energy/environmental issue. Here, the authors develop bimetallic layered two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic framework to synergistically and efficiently electro-catalyze CO2 to CO toward syngas synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered two‐dimensional (2D) conjugated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a family of rising electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), due to the controllable architectures, excellent electrical conductivity, and highly exposed well‐defined molecular active sites. Herein, we report a copper phthalocyanine based 2D conjugated MOF with square‐planar cobalt bis(dihydroxy) complexes (Co‐O4) as linkages (PcCu‐O8‐Co) and layer‐stacked structures prepared via solvothermal synthesis. PcCu‐O8‐Co 2D MOF mixed with carbon nanotubes exhibits excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity (E1/2=0.83 V vs. RHE, n=3.93, and jL=5.3 mA cm−2) in alkaline media, which is the record value among the reported intrinsic MOF electrocatalysts. Supported by in situ Raman spectro‐electrochemistry and theoretical modeling as well as contrast catalytic tests, we identified the cobalt nodes as ORR active sites. Furthermore, when employed as a cathode electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries, PcCu‐O8‐Co delivers a maximum power density of 94 mW cm−2, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C electrocatalysts (78.3 mW cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered two‐dimensional (2D) conjugated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a family of rising electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), due to the controllable architectures, excellent electrical conductivity, and highly exposed well‐defined molecular active sites. Herein, we report a copper phthalocyanine based 2D conjugated MOF with square‐planar cobalt bis(dihydroxy) complexes (Co‐O4) as linkages (PcCu‐O8‐Co) and layer‐stacked structures prepared via solvothermal synthesis. PcCu‐O8‐Co 2D MOF mixed with carbon nanotubes exhibits excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity (E1/2=0.83 V vs. RHE, n=3.93, and jL=5.3 mA cm−2) in alkaline media, which is the record value among the reported intrinsic MOF electrocatalysts. Supported by in situ Raman spectro‐electrochemistry and theoretical modeling as well as contrast catalytic tests, we identified the cobalt nodes as ORR active sites. Furthermore, when employed as a cathode electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries, PcCu‐O8‐Co delivers a maximum power density of 94 mW cm−2, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C electrocatalysts (78.3 mW cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]