A Programmable Luminescent Sensing Platform via Site-Selective Modular Installation in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile platforms for structural design and engineering for targeting applications, particularly in luminescent sensing. MOF-based sensing materials are recognized for their rapid responses and well-defined structures that facilitate mechanistic insight. However, practical deployment remains limited by the synthetic cost associated with customizing individual MOFs with response to specific analytes. Here, we present a synthetic methodology to construct a programmable luminescent sensing platform derived from a readily modifiable Zr-MOF PCN-700, in which 20 pre-designed modules with various functions are incorporated through a modular linker installation strategy, possessing variable molecular lengths, configurations, and binding linkages. These modules endow the framework with customizable recognition capabilities toward a wide scope of chemical species as well as physical stimuli. This work demonstrates a generalizable and scalable modular installation approach that enables construction of multifunctional MOF-based sensing materials with customizable performance to meet evolving demands in practical detections.