MOFs and their derivatives: Functionalization strategy and applications as sensitive electrode materials for environmental EDCs analysis

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a category of exogenous organic pollutants that pose substantial hazards to human health and the environment due to their ability to disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system. However, implementing suitable technology is one of the most effective ways to address EDCs. Electrochemical sensors provide cost-effective and fast solutions to this challenge, using metal-organic framework (MOF) technology. MOFs, as a distinct hierarchical structural class, offer diverse topologies, tunability, reactivity and porosity, but their lower conductivity and instability limit their effectiveness in electrochemical sensor applications. The study focuses on investigating the functionalization strategy of the outer and inner surfaces of MOF crystals, which involves introducing functional groups, replacing components, incorporating guest molecules, defect engineering and hybrid composite construction. We explore the latest advancement in electrochemical sensors based on MOFs, emphasizing their use in the recognition of environmental EDCs. The oxidation mechanisms of EDCs on the electrode surface were also discussed. In this review, we provide clear and straightforward guidance for the structural design of MOFs as well as the improvement of durable, efficient and resilient portable electrochemical sensors for environmental EDCs detection. Furthermore, this work addresses current challenges and highlights the future prospects of MOFs as sensor materials for environmental EDCs analysis.