Progress and challenges in electrochemical sensing of volatile organic compounds using metal-organic frameworks

Abstract

This article emphasizes progress and challenges related to design strategies for electrochemical sensors of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). After an initial assessment of the health effects of VOCs, we focus on classification and features of MOFs for electrochemical VOC sensing applications. We also describe design strategies for diverse types of electrochemical sensing techniques (e.g., conductometric, potentiometric, and amperometric sensors). Doping, tagging/functionalization, and post-synthesis modification approaches have been utilized in MOFs to enhance their electrochemical features for sensing of VOCs. The basics of these methods are discussed along with recent efforts to describe the effects of those treatments with respect to their performance. Overall, this review will facilitate the establishment of proper guidelines to maximize the performance of MOFs-based electrochemical sensing devices.