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 Gyair−1 cm−2 among reported flexible X-ray detectors and an ultralow detection limit of 52.6 nGyair 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. Liang et al. present flexible semiconductive polyMOF membranes, created by copolymerizing metal–organic frameworks with polymers. This integration reduces structural defects and improves charge transport, enabling highly sensitive X-ray detection with leading sensitivity and a conformal design suited for flexible dosimetry.