Facile synthesis of substrate supported ultrathin two-dimensional cobalt-based metal organic frameworks nanoflakes

The synthesis of substrate-supported metal–organic-framework (MOF) nanoflakes has become a research hotspot due to its attractive use as precursors to prepare metal (oxide)/carbon nanocomposites for the applications of catalysis and energy storage. This work reports facile synthesis of a newly-structured ultrathin Cobalt-based MOF (Co-MOF) nanoflakes on carbon cloth (CC). Through changing reaction time and reactant concentration, Co-MOF morphologies can be easily controlled, which paves ways for controllable fabrication of ultrathin Co₃O₄ nanoflakes on CC based on the phase transformation from Co-MOF to Co₃O₄. Meanwhile, the good compatibility of this mechanically strong Co-MOF with polymer inspires us to tailor CC@Co₃O₄ from the perspective of polymer-based researches, such as polymer-based catalysts and solid state batteries using a solid state polymer electrolyte. Therefore, this study not only enriches the family of MOFs but lays foundations for fabrication of next-generation CC-reinforced polymer composites for multifunctional applications such as catalysis and energy storage.