Single Bimetallic Lanthanide-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for Visual Decoding of a Broad Spectrum of Molecules

Distinguishing the delicate structural differences among molecules is a critical and challenging task in biological/chemical analysis. A molecular decoding strategy has recently become promising to differentiate similar molecules, which is advantageous over the common sensing methods mostly used for detecting a single target. However, the design of an ideal molecular decoder is still strictly hindered by the tailored preparation of probes for particular molecules and the severe lack of widespread feasibility. We herein for the first time proposed to use single bimetallic lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) as a powerful, versatile probe for fast and facile decoding of homologues, isomers, enantiomers, and even deuterated isotopomers, based on the unique host–guest interaction of a specific target with the Ln-MOF which could provide an according visual output based on the modulated energy transfer process.