Design and sensing applications of metal–organic framework composites

•Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) possess unique chemical properties for sensing.•MOFs possess unique physical properties for sensing.•MOFs have attracted considerable attention in sensing.•Chemical modification can endow MOFs with specific functions for sensor design.•We review different signal-transduction strategies for MOF-based sensing.

As crystalline molecular materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have unique chemical and physical properties, such as ultrahigh porosity, tunable structure, and high thermal and chemical stability. These characteristics make MOFs suitable for use in gas storage, separation, catalysis, biomedical imaging and sensing. Precise chemical modifications can especially endow MOFs with specific functions and offer the possibility of designing a new generation of sensing devices. This article focuses on the design of functional MOFs and signal-transduction strategy, including optical, electrochemical, mechanical, and photoelectrochemical schemes, for analytical applications in detection of solvent molecules, metal ions, DNA, proteins, and other important biomolecules.