Taghavi-Kahagh, A. / Behboodi-Sadabad, F. / Salami-Kalajahi, M. (2025) 

Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2025, Available online 13 July 2025, in press

A B S T R A C T

Due to a large specific surface area, high porosity, and adjustable internal surface properties, metal–organic
frameworks (MOFs) have exhibited unmatched versatility in optical sensing applications. Their unique struc-
tures, combining inorganic metal ions or cluster nodes with organic linkers, enable the creation of “multiple
photonic units” that offer diverse luminescence options suitable for customized sensing applications. Moreover,
MOFs achieve ratiometric and multiplexing, and multimodality measurement capabilities by encapsulating
luminescent guest molecules within their porous structures, which allows for greater adaptability and func-
tionality in optical measurements. In this review, we have discussed a variety of MOF types, their structures,
synthesis properties, mechanisms, and sensing applications. In contrast to previous reviews that overly rely on
describing the general luminescent features or sensing capabilities of MOFs, this work is more holistic, covering
multi-emission MOFs and extending its focus towards the entire spectrum of MOF-based sensors. This review
highlights the versatility of sensing emission tunability achieved by single-, dual-, and multi-emission MOFs by
meticulously analyzing their synthesis approaches and functional characteristics. In addition, it brings a new
perspective by integrating comprehensive mechanisms of fluorescence enhancement and quenching with food
contamination detection applications, where ratiometric sensing becomes pivotal. The addition of wearable
sensing, SERS-active MOF nanosensors, and bio-labeling strategies expands the scope beyond conventional
sensing platforms and traditional approaches, advancing this review as a prospective resource towards designing
multifunctional sensors with integrated detection capabilities based on MOFs.

 Download