Search

Ultrathin two‐dimensional (2D) metal‐organic nanosheets (MONs) have attracted continued attention in the field of advanced functional materials. Their nanoscale thickness, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, and abundant accessible active sites, are superior advantages compared with their 3D bulk counterparts. Bioinspired molecular scalpel strategy is a promising method for the creation of 2D MONs, and may solve the current shortcomings of MONs synthesis. This review aims to provide a state‐of‐the‐art overview of molecular scalpel strategies and share the results of current development to provide a better solution for MONs synthesis. Different types of molecular scalpel strategies have been systematically summarized. Both mechanisms, advantages and limitations of multiform molecular scalpel strategies have been discussed. Besides, the challenges to be overcome and the question to be solved are also introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoplates with well‐defined geometric morphology is remarkable for expanding their applications. Herein, the cobalt‐based MOF nanoplates with hexagonal channels from a layer‐pillared MOF are accomplished, via a molecular scalpel strategy, utilizing monodentate pyridine to replace the bidentate 4,4′‐bipyridine. The morphology can be modified from nanorods to nanoplates with controllable thickness tuned by the amounts of pyridine. Succeeding carbonization treatment transforms the MOF nanoplates into Co particles homogeneously encapsulated in the nitrogen‐doped carbon layers. The prepared catalyst with a unique platelike morphology displays a high half‐wave potential of 0.88 V in oxygen reduction reaction. When used in primary Zn−air batteries, it delivers a high peak power density of 280 mW cm−2. This work clarifies the structure‐morphology‐reactivity connection of MOF nanoplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]