Covalently bonded polymer-metal-organic framework semiconductive membranes for flexible X-ray detection.

Liang, Chengyu; Cheng, Liwei; He, Linwei; Li, Zhizai; Hong, Sheng; Yang, Liangwei; Huang, Qing; Chai, Zhifang et al. · Nat Commun · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The fabrication of flexible semiconductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) membranes is a challenging research target with unique optoelectronics applications. In this work, we introduce a semiconductive polyMOF (polymer-metal-organic framework) strategy that copolymerizes semiconductive MOFs with polymer monomers, yielding uniform and defect-minimized semiconductive membranes with ultralow trap densities and eliminating microgaps. This molecular integration enables efficient charge transport, realizing flexible MOF membranes for high-sensitivity radiation detection. The polyMOF-based flexible detector demonstrates exceptional performance, with a leading X-ray sensitivity of 6972.9 μC Gy<sub>air</sub><sup>-1</sup> cm<sup>-2</sup> among reported flexible X-ray detectors and an ultralow detection limit of 52.6 nGy<sub>air</sub> s<sup>-1</sup>. The flexible polyMOF detector outperforms the flat-panel devices in resolution and versatility while also serving as a conformal dosimeter with commercial-level accuracy. This work establishes covalent polyMOFs as a universal platform for defect-engineered optoelectronics, bridging material innovations with flexible radiation detection technology.