Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of preparing a phototuned metal-organic framework by forming a first solution by dissolving ZrOCl2.8H2O in dimethylformamide (DMF) and formic acid, mixing and dissolving 1,4-phenylenediacrylic acid in a second solution of dimethylformamide (DMF) and trimethylamine, and at least partially mixing the first and second solutions to form a mixture. The method further includes sealing the mixture in an autoclave and heating the mixture to above ambient temperature for a specified period of time to prepare ZrPDA metal-organic framework, and extracting the ZrPDA metal-organic framework and at least partially reacting to a specified degree at least some of ZrPDA metal-organic framework through [2+2] cycloaddition reactions. The specified degree can be tunable based at least in part on at least one of the intensity of UV radiation, the exposure time, and the UV wavelength.