Addressing of multiple-metal ions on a single platform

• We compile chemosensors capable of simultaneous recognition of multiple metal ions.
• Two major approaches adopted by multi-signaling chemosensors have been discussed.
• Differential chemosensors exploit single detection technique to detect multi-cations.
• Multiple-channel chemosensors utilize array of techniques to detect multi-cations.

Multi-stimuli responsive “smart molecules” exhibit measurable responses in the presence of external stimuli. The output signal can be measured by exploiting one or more than one physical characteristics of the molecule-stimulus couple. Distinct responses by smart molecules after interaction with different metal ions at low concentration allow selective multiple-metal sensing. The focus of this review will be on the basic design principles of multi-metal responsive molecular systems, the broad array of their potential applications and further challenges to be accomplished in this rapidly developing area. In particular, addressing of multi-metal ions at single platform has been described with two aspects: (i) access of differential responses through a single channel or (ii) access of wide-ranging sensor-stimulus interactions through multiple channels. These state-of-the-art methodologies demonstrate the large scope and diversity in terms of metal ion screening, combinatorial approach to address the sensor characteristics, activation mechanism and utilization of multiple techniques for sensing prospects.

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