Post-synthetic modification of luminescent metal-organic frameworks using schiff base complexes for biological and chemical sensing

Luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) are porous crystalline materials consisting of metal clusters and organic linkers. Although LMOFs belong to a subcategory of MOFs, they are superior to typical MOFs in many ways (e.g., in terms of photostability, sensing ability, ease of use, interactions with target analytes, and rapid detection mechanisms). Schiff bases with various desired functionalities can be incorporated into the pore cages of LMOF materials via pre- and post-synthetic modifications. Such functionalities can be used to favorably provide active sites for the selective detection of various target components (e.g., metal ions, anions, biomolecules, explosives, gases, and light molecular weight solvent molecules). This work reviews the recent progress achieved in the development of Schiff base-functionalized LMOF sensors for diverse target substances based on state-of-the-art approaches available for their synthesis.