Recent Advances in Organic Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Detection of Co2+ Ions: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Perspectives (2020-2025).

Abstract

Cobalt is essential in various biological systems, but their excessive accumulation can pose significant health and ecological risks. The development of sensitive, selective, and rapid detection methods is crucial for monitoring Co²⁺ contamination in water, food, and biological samples. Organic fluorimetric and colorimetric chemosensors have gained considerable attention due to their high sensitivity, simplicity, and real-time detection capabilities. These chemosensors function through fluorescence quenching/enhancement and visible color changes induced by Co²⁺ interactions, enabling efficient and portable detection. Recent advancements have focused on designing novel organic fluorophores that improve selectivity, response time, and detection limits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in organic fluorimetric and colorimetric detection of Co²⁺, emphasizing innovative sensing strategies, emerging materials, and detection mechanisms. It critically discusses key challenges, including sensitivity limitations, selectivity in complex environments, and stability concerns, while offering insights into future research directions aimed at enhancing detection performance, broadening applicability, and integrating advanced analytical technologies for real-world applications.