Radiation‐Responsive Metal–Organic Frameworks: Fundamentals and Applications

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), formed by the coordination of metal nodes and organic linkers, constitute a class of multifunctional materials with unprecedentedly high chemical/structural designability. Through properly harnessing the synergistic interplay between high atomic number nodes and functional linkers, radiation‐responsive MOFs have recently come on the scene, which can convert ionizing radiations (e.g., X‐ray, γ‐ray, β‐ray, α‐particle, and neutron) into electrical charges or visible light. Given the attributes of cost‐effectiveness, robust environmental stability, extensive chemical tunability, and diverse functionalities, cutting‐edge radiation‐responsive MOFs with remarkable electronic and optical properties have emerged as promising substitutes for conventional organic and inorganic radiation‐responsive substances in applications across biomedicine and technology. This review article documents recent advancements in radiation‐responsive MOFs by elucidating the foundational mechanisms governing electronic transport and photon conversion within frameworks through inherent node–linker and host–guest interactions prompted by high‐energy radiation. Furthermore, this review delves into state‐of‐the‐art applications that leverage newly formulated radiation‐responsive MOFs, capitalizing on precisely engineered component interactions to achieve efficient energy absorption, conversion, and emission. The rationale behind these developments is concluded and future opportunities for expanding the research of radiation‐responsive MOFs are simultaneously highlighted.

A MOF@Metal Oxide Heterostructure Induced by Post‐Synthetic Gamma‐Ray Irradiation for Catalytic Reduction

“…Interestingly, a new diffraction peak appeared at ~36.8°(Figure S2), corresponding to Cu 2 O. MOFs, constructed by high atomic number nodes and functional aromatic linkers, are usually radiation resistant and can be used as radiation-responsible materials to convert ionizing radiations into electrical charges or visible light. [14] However, some MOFs can become amorphous induced by electron beam irradiation. [15] Herein, HKUST-1 was constructed by Cu 2 + and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid.…”

A MOF@Metal Oxide Heterostructure Induced by Post‐Synthetic Gamma‐Ray Irradiation for Catalytic Reduction

“…While irradiated HKUST‐1 maintained its pristine long‐range ordered crystalline architecture, the intensity of some diffraction peaks decreased slightly due to the radiation etching effect. Interestingly, a new diffraction peak appeared at ~36.8° (Figure S2), corresponding to Cu 2 O. MOFs, constructed by high atomic number nodes and functional aromatic linkers, are usually radiation resistant and can be used as radiation‐responsible materials to convert ionizing radiations into electrical charges or visible light [14] . However, some MOFs can become amorphous induced by electron beam irradiation [15] .…”

Radiochromic semiconductive MOFs with high sensitivity and fast photochromic responses for dual-mode X-ray direct detection

“…MOF-based semiconductor detectors have gained significant attention due to their high stability, decent detection sensitivity, and higher structural designability over inorganic semiconductor and hybrid perovskites. 18–21 The Wang group disclosed the first demonstration of hard radiation detection by semiconductive MOFs. 22 A polycrystalline pellet sample of this Tb( iii )–benzoquinone MOF had a thermal stability up to 200 °C and an X-ray sensitivity of 23.8 μC Gy −1 cm −2 under 80 kV p X-ray exposure, and is competitive with the commercial a-Se detector.…”