Luminescent lanthanide probes for cations and anions: Promises, compromises, and caveats

Abstract

The long luminescence lifetimes and sharp emission bands of luminescent lanthanide complexes have long been recognized as invaluable strengths for sensing and imaging in complex aqueous biological or environmental media. Herein we discuss the recent developments of these probes for sensing metal ions and, increasingly, anions. Underappreciated in the field, buffers and metal hydrolysis influence the response of many responsive lanthanide probes. The inherent complexities arising from these interactions are further discussed.