Self-condensation-assisted chemical vapour deposition growth of atomically two-dimensional MOF single-crystals.

Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have a wide variety of applications in molecular separation and other emerging technologies, including atomically thin electronics. However, due to the inherent fragility and strong interlayer interactions, high-quality MOF crystals of atomic thickness, especially isolated MOF crystal monolayers, have not been easy to prepare. Here, we report the self-condensation-assisted chemical vapour deposition growth of atomically thin MOF single-crystals, yielding monolayer single-crystals of poly[Fe(benzimidazole)] up to 62 μm in grain sizes.