Metal-organic frameworks based fluorescent sensing: Mechanisms and detection applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are organic-inorganic hybrid materials with porous network structure by coordinating metal ions with flexible organic linking ligands. The luminescence and chemical-physical properties of MOFs can be regulated by altering the types of metal ions and organic ligands or by further functionalization, making them attractive fluorescent probes. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in MOFs-based fluorescent sensing. Importantly, we overview the fluorescent sensing mechanism of MOFs classified as turn-on type, turn-off type and ratiometric type with intensive discussion. Moreover, the applications of MOFs-based fluorescence sensing of various species are detailed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of MOFs fluorescent sensing are envisioned.