Novel strategies for the formulation and processing of aluminum metal-organic framework-based sensing systems toward environmental monitoring of metal ions

Aluminum is a relatively inexpensive and abundant metal for the mass production of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Aluminum-based MOFs (Al-MOFs) have drawn a good deal of research interest due to their unique properties for diverse applications (e.g., excellent chemical and structural stability). This review has been organized to highlight the current progress achieved in the synthesis/functionalization of Al-MOF materials with the special emphasis on their sensing application, especially toward metal ion pollutants in the liquid phase. To learn more about the utility of Al-MOF-based sensing systems, their performances have been evaluated for diverse metallic components in reference to many other types of sensing systems (in terms of the key quality assurance (QA) criteria such as limit of detection (LOD)). Finally, the challenges and outlook for Al-MOF-based sensing systems are discussed to help expand their real-world applications.

Automated summary

Aluminum is a cost-effective and abundant metal used for the mass production of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Aluminum-based MOFs (Al-MOFs) have unique properties, such as excellent chemical and structural stability, making them highly researched for various applications. This review summarizes the recent progress in the synthesis/functionalization of Al-MOF materials, with a focus on their sensing applications for metal ion pollutants in liquids. The performances of Al-MOF-based sensing systems are evaluated and compared to other sensing systems in terms of key quality assurance criteria, such as the limit of detection (LOD). The challenges and future outlook for Al-MOF-based sensing systems are also discussed to promote their real-world applications.