An electrochemically deposited ordered hierarchical metal–organic framework-based dual-module sensor for decoding organic vapors

Abstract

The construction of a sensing platform to efficiently identify organic vapors with similar physical properties remains a challenge. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) ordered hierarchical films consisting of lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were fabricated via cathodic electrochemical deposition using a bottom–up approach. The film exhibited a bright structural color produced by the ordered macroporous structure and a luminescent color derived from the lanthanide MOFs. The resultant MOF film exhibited different optical responses during the detection of six different volatile organic amines in reflective and fluorescent modes, enabling an unprecedented 3D readout recognition scheme. Such a dual-module MOF-based sensing probe can provide a facile and convenient platform for sensing and multi-analyte identification in environmental monitoring, which may further advance the development of new sensors.