Surface-Assisted Fabrication and Sensing Capabilities of Metal–Organic and Covalent Organic Framework Films

The added flexibility in architecture and multidimensional applications make metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) compelling candidates for the development of thin-film sensors. This review examines the on-surface synthesis of thin films of MOFs and COFs and focuses on advanced deposition methods, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and interface-assisted synthesis (IAS), as well as multifunctional sensing with MOF and COF thin films. Due to the high porosity, tunable structures, and excellent electronic/photoelectric properties, COF and MOF thin films have shown promising applications in gas sensing, environmental monitoring, and in wearable sensors. Additionally, the review discusses challenges related to long-term stability, film uniformity, and integration under real-world conditions. Some of the uniformity, longitudinal stability, and real-world conditions span deep time durability issues in practical use as well as long-term severe environment exposure alongside other prospective solutions for stilled gaps, which the review analyses. This overview aims to provide a roadmap for the development of next-generation sensors based on structurally robust and functional MOF/COF thin films.