MOFs consist of metal ions coordinated to ligands to form repeating structures. When based on carbon, these MOFs have advantages including high pore volume and the ability for attachment of other molecules. With a simple production process, carbon derived MOFs see use in energy storage, filtration of impurities, and purification of blood/other biological samples.

Two dimensional nanosheets are highly conductive nanomaterials, and carbon based nanosheets have the added bonus of improved biocompatibility. The structures benefit from simple synthesis processes, usually relying on supramolecular interactions and self-assembly. These structures are seeing increased interest from the fields of imaging, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. 

3 dimensional carbon nanomaterials are typically constructed by assembly of carbon nanocrystals into structures like MXenes, graphite, and other lattice-like structures. Assembly often follows the self-assembly process, and final structures include hydrogels, crystalline frames, and polymers in blocks. 3D carbon nanomaterials have been used to create cell culture/tissue engineering scaffolds, provide gene delivery, and act as biosensors .