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

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_air⁻¹ cm⁻² among reported flexible X-ray detectors and an ultralow detection limit of 52.6 nGy_air s⁻¹. 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.