Nano-structuring hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks: strategies, composites, and functional applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are emerging porous materials with desirable properties like high surface area and biocompatibility.
• Bulk HOFs often exhibit poor electrical conductivity and limited structural stability, restricting their practical use.
• Nanostructuring HOFs into pristine nanostructures or nanocomposites is a key strategy to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in Hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) nanomaterials.
• To classify fabrication strategies and explore diverse applications of HOF nanomaterials.
• To provide insights into future research directions for HOF nanomaterials.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on HOF nanomaterials.
• Classification of fabrication techniques for HOF nanostructures and nanocomposites.
• Analysis of performance enhancement through nanoconfinement and composite strategies.

Main Results:

• HOF nanomaterials exhibit improved electrical conductivity, structural stability, and porosity compared to bulk HOFs.
• Synergistic effects from nanoconfinement and composite matrices enhance material performance.
• HOF nanomaterials show significant potential in photocatalysis, energy storage, and photothermal therapy.

Conclusions:

• Transforming bulk HOFs into nanomaterials effectively addresses limitations in conductivity and stability.
• HOF nanomaterials offer enhanced properties for a broad spectrum of applications.
• Further research into HOF nanomaterials promises significant advancements in materials science and technology.