Tackling solid-contact sensor drift using conductive metal organic frameworks as ion-to-electron transducers
Abstract
Solid-contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) are widely used electrochemical sensors for measuring ionic concentrations with high sensitivity and selectivity. However, their reliability is often compromised by fundamental challenges such as water-layer formation, limited charge-storage capacitance, and the resulting potential drift that degrades long-term accuracy. This review explores the emerging application of conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as a novel class of ion-to-electron transducers designed to address these persistent limitations. Conductive MOFs offer several key advantages, including high porosity, large electroactive surface area, and intrinsic electrical conductivity, that collectively enable efficient ion-to-electron transfer and enhanced interfacial stability. Recent studies demonstrate that MOF-based solid contacts can provide high capacitance, minimize water-layer formation, and substantially reduce drift, outperforming many traditional transducers such as conducting polymers, carbon nanomaterials, and metal-based layers. This review summarises the progression of MOF-based SC-ISEs from early proof-of-concept demonstrations to more advanced composite and flexible platforms. Despite challenges such as potential instability in acidic environments and synthesis-related constraints, growing evidence shows that chemically robust and highly conductive MOFs hold significant promise for next-generation SC-ISEs. Continued innovation in the design and integration of these novel materials may offer an effective pathway for overcoming long-standing drift issues and enabling reliable long-term ion monitoring across environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Publication Title
Advanced Materials Technologies
Publisher
Wiley
School
Mineral Recovery Research Centre / School of Engineering
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Esfandiari, M., Abdollahzadeh, M., Murugappan, K., Razmjou, A., Rodopoulos, T., & Asadnia, M. (2025). Tackling solid-contact sensor drift using conductive metal organic frameworks as ion-to-electron transducers. Advanced Materials Technologies. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202502200