Two-dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks grown on a MoS2 surface

•Single-layer M3(HAT)2c-MOFs are synthesized on an inert semiconducting MoS2 surface (M=Ni, Co).•HAT molecules constitute a honeycomb lattice while metals (Ni or Co) constitute a Kagome lattice.•The coordination frameworks show as zigzag chains under a negative bias and dazzling spots under a positive bias.•The 2D c-MOFs self-assembled on MoS2 surfaces are identical to a free-standing one. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) features an atomically flat surface without dangling bonds. Molecular self-assembly on this surface provides an effective route to constructing heterostructure devices. In this work, we show the successful synthesis of M3(1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene, HAT)2 (M = Ni, Co) conjugated metal–organic frameworks (c-MOFs) on a MoS2 surface. In the frameworks, HAT molecules constitute a honeycomb lattice while the metal atoms constitute a Kagome lattice. The random orientations of the frameworks with respect to the substrate and irregular domain shapes indicate that the frameworks interact weakly with the MoS2. The successful synthesis of 2D c-MOFs on inert substrates opens a door for the construction of advanced 2D van der Waals heterojunctions. [Display omitted]