Luminescent sensing platforms based on lanthanide metal-organic frameworks: Current strategies and perspectives

Lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) have aroused increasing interest due to their highly effective luminescence from their constitutive metal ions, ligands, and/or the inserted or absorbed guests, enabling a good luminescence response in analysis. This review aims to present a thorough understanding of the design principles of Ln-MOFs and the associated detection mechanisms. Sensors utilizing Ln-MOFs are categorized into three distinctive classes, distinguished by diverse synthesis strategies: Monometallic lanthanide MOFs, MOFs with intrinsic dual-emission properties, and innovative Ln-MOFs composites. Within each section, we explain the design strategies employed and the associated corresponding merits. Additionally, the review concludes with a presentation of the numerous applications where Ln-MOFs based luminescent sensors had a significant impact.