Progress in the application of rare earth complex-based fluorescent probes in the field of detection

Rare earth complexes are characterised by a long fluorescence emission lifetime, high colour purity and a narrow half-peak width, as well as a high fluorescence quantum efficiency. Therefore, they are regarded as preferred materials for making fluorescent probes. This review introduces the luminescence mechanism of rare earth complexes, paying particular attention to their detection mechanisms and modification techniques when used as fluorescent probes. Crucially, the applications of rare earth complex-based fluorescent probes for detecting metal cations, anions, biological small molecules, biological macromolecules, nitro compounds, residual pesticides as well as antibiotics are summarized. Eventually, the problems to be solved for rare earth complex-based fluorescent probes are pointed out. Moreover, the future applications and development trends of rare earth complex-based fluorescent probes are prospected.