Advances in Two‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic Framework Nanosheets Synthesis, Properties, and Multifaceted Photo and Electrocatalytic Applications
Hafiz Nawaz Hussain, Toheed Ahmed, Umar Noor, Muhammad Idrees Jilani, Muhammad Yasir, Attaullah Bukhari, Alia Nasir, Muhammad Mansoor
Abstract
Two‐dimensional metal‐organic framework (2D MOF) nanosheets have emerged as a highly promising class of materials due to their ultrahigh surface area, abundant active sites, and atomic‐scale thickness, making them exceptional candidates for advanced photo‐ and electrocatalytic applications. Their unique structural and electronic properties—such as rapid charge transfer, enhanced mass transport, and maximized exposure of catalytic sites—enable superior electrochemical performance, crucial for energy conversion technologies. However, a key challenge in their practical deployment lies in ensuring structural and chemical stability under operational conditions, particularly during prolonged electrochemical processes such as the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and overall water splitting. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the latest advancements in 2D MOF nanosheets, with a focus on innovative synthetic strategies (both top‐down and bottom‐up approaches), stability considerations under catalytic conditions, and their multifaceted applications. Beyond energy‐related processes, their expanding roles in electrochemical sensing, environmental remediation (including metal ion removal and pollutant degradation), light‐emitting components, and antimicrobial applications are highlighted. By critically analyzing structure–property relationships and stability‐performance trade‐offs, this work offers valuable insights into the design of robust 2D MOF catalysts, bridging the gap between laboratory‐scale research and commercial viability.