Solid‐State Nanochannels Functionalized With Metal–Organic and Covalent Organic Frameworks: Applications in Sensing

Biological nanopores facilitate the continuous exchange of ions, molecules, and energy between living organisms and their environment. Scientists have used biological nanopores for sensing, such as gene sequencing and single‐molecule detection. However, biological nanopores are inherently fragile. Inspired by biological nanopores, scientists have developed solid‐state nanopores/nanochannels. These synthetic systems have stable physical properties, adjustable geometric shapes, and chemically modifiable surfaces. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) overcome the limitations of traditional solid‐state nanochannel surface functionalization through their designable framework structures. Here, we summarize the functionalization strategies and applications of MOFs and COFs on the inner wall and outer surface of solid‐state nanochannels. The functionalization can precisely regulate surface properties, chemical environment, and pore size, thereby achieving high sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity in solid‐state nanochannel sensing. Finally, the future development opportunities in this research field were discussed.