Metal organic framework-derived carbon nanomaterials and MOF hybrids for chemical sensing

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have attracted widespread attention in different fields due to their superior capabilities in terms of adsorption, enhanced oxidation, and photocatalysis. CNMs are safer and more eco-friendly than organic compounds, which could explain the growing interest in developing new chemosensors using CNMs. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used in many applications due to their regular network structure, adaptable morphology, porous nature, and large specific surface area. However, most MOFs are unstable in aqueous solutions due to self-decomposition, which could limits their applications in chemical sensing. Several attempts have been reported to increase the stability of MOFs in water-based matrices through chemical modifications using stable entities such as CNMs via MOF hybridization or carbonization. MOF hybrids retain their original shape and structure, and their stability depends on the MOF type, while MOF-derived CNMs undergo drastic changes in shape and structure. This review discusses the recent trends and applications of MOF-derived CNMs and MOF-hybrids in chemical sensing. Hybridization of MOFs using graphene, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes and carbon quantum dots are described with emphasis on their role and applications in chemosensors.