Kinetically controlled synthesis of two-dimensional Zr/Hf metal–organic framework nanosheets via a modulated hydrothermal approach

We describe a surfactant-free bottom-up synthesis of 2D stable MOF nanosheets, NUS-8(Zr or Hf), via the modulated hydrothermal (MHT) approach. These 2D NUS-8 nanosheets demonstrate several prevailing advantages including superior chemical/thermal stabilities and enzyme-specific catalytic activities toward thioether oxidation into sulfones.