Lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks as luminescent probes

Lanthanide-based metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs), as notable materials, are constructed by Ln3+ ions and organic ligands, or Ln3+ ions functionalizing non-Ln-MOFs, and exhibit promising applications in various fields. Over the past decades, quite a lot of investigations of Ln-MOFs have been carried out, and many good results have been obtained. Among these results, Ln-MOFs as luminescent probes for unique detection are gradually becoming a hot topic due to their fast and effective luminescent response for the targeted substance. In this perspective article, we discuss the construction of luminescent Ln-MOFs, their applications in possible detection mechanisms, and summarize some examples of Ln-MOFs as luminescent probes for sensing cations, anions and small molecules.