Ion Sensing via Modulation of Charge Transfer in Donor-pi-Acceptor Molecules: Structure, Mechanism & Photophysical Aspects

This review article highlights the importance of novel charge transfer (CT) sensing approach for the detection of ions which are crucial from environmental and biological point of view. The importance, principles of charge transfer, ion sensing, its different types, and its basic process will all be covered here. The strategy has been reported with enormous sensitivity and fast signaling response owing to the fact that strong electronic connection communication exists between donor (D) and acceptor (A) part. Important discoveries made since 2010 will be examined. Herein, we will showcase the binding constants, conditions employed for sensing, and limit of detection of crucial ions via CT based sensors that researchers have bough forth for real-time applications. Additionally, the focus will be on the mechanistic aspects and signaling response as a result of the interaction between ion and sensor molecule.