Research progress in fluorescent gas sensors based on MOFs

Abstract

Currently, the importance of gas sensing is rapidly gaining recognition in a multitude of domains, including environmental conservation, security measures, food safety protocols, and medical diagnostic processes. As the requirements for these applications continue to escalate, there is a corresponding upsurge in the demand for gas sensors that can provide improved sensing performance. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the most promising materials for sensing applications, owing to their highly tunable porous structures and exceptionally high specific surface areas. In parallel, fluorescence sensing stands out as an exceptional technique due to its ultra-high sensitivity and rapid response time. Hence, the integration of MOF-based structures with fluorescent sensing, merging a state-of-the-art sensing material with an advanced technique, has exhibited remarkable performance in detecting a spectrum of gases, encompassing both inorganic and organic species. This review commences with a detailed exposition of the operational mechanisms underlying gas sensing based on the fluorescent MOF material. It proceeds to showcase the targeted applications of this technology within the realm of gas sensing, encompassing the detection of oxygen, nitrogen oxides (NO_x), sulfur oxides (SO_x), and an assortment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The review concludes with an in-depth discussion of the future prospects and the challenges faced in the advancement of MOF-based fluorescent gas sensing technologies.