Metal organic frameworks for electrochemical sensor applications: A review

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are broadly known as porous coordination polymers, synthesized by metal-based nodes and organic linkers. MOFs are used in various fields like catalysis, energy storage, sensors, drug delivery etc., due to their versatile properties (tailorable pore size, high surface area, and exposed active sites). This review presents a detailed discussion of MOFs as an electrochemical sensor and their enhancement in the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor. These sensors are used for the detection of heavy metal ions like Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+ from groundwater. Various types of organic pollutants are also detected from the water bodies using MOFs. Furthermore, electrochemical sensing of antibiotics, phenolic compounds, and pesticides has been explored. In addition to this, there is also a detailed discussion of metal nano-particles and metal-oxide based composites which can sense various compounds like glucose, amino acids, uric acid etc. The review will be helpful for young researchers, and an inspiration to future research as challenges and future opportunities of MOF-based electrochemical sensors are also reported.