A Mini Review on Recent Advances in Luminescent Coordination Polymers as Sensors for Dichromate Detection

The detection of hazardous pollutants, particularly chromium(VI) species such as dichromate (Cr₂O₇²⁻), remains a significant environmental and public health challenge due to their toxicity and carcinogenic nature. Conventional analytical techniques, while highly accurate, suffer from drawbacks such as high cost, complexity, and the need for specialized infrastructure, making real-time and on-site monitoring difficult. Luminescent coordination polymers (LCPs) have emerged as promising alternatives for Cr(VI) detection, offering benefits like tunable luminescence, high discernment, and fast response. This review explores recent advances in LCP-based sensors, emphasizing design principles, synthesis strategies, and fluorescence quenching mechanisms, including electron transfer, energy transfer, and the inner filter effect. The role of metal centers and organic ligands in enhancing sensing performance is examined, alongside the impact of structural modifications, nanotechnology-driven innovations, and composite materials. Additionally, we discuss the integration of computational modeling and machine learning in optimizing sensor
performance. Challenges related to stability, selectivity, and real-world applicability are addressed, along with potential strategies to improve sensor robustness under diverse conditions. Finally, we outline future directions, including hybrid materials, miniaturized platforms, and green chemistry approaches, underscoring the potential of LCP sensors for sustainable and efficient Cr(VI) detection. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the progress, challenges, and future outlook for LCP-based sensors in environmental monitoring.