Lanthanide complexes for luminescence-based sensing of low molecular weight analytes

Recent developments (2012 and onwards) in the design and application of luminescent lanthanide-based complexes for chemical sensing are reviewed. Sensors for a variety of metal cations, anions and neutral small molecules are highlighted, including several developed by Australian researchers. Emphasis is placed on describing the general design features and range of mechanisms by which such sensors are able to elicit a luminescent response upon exposure to an analyte.