A Perspective on Lanthanide-Containing Nanocomposite Hydrogels: Current Research and Future Directions

Lanthanide-containing nanocomposite hydrogels represent a versatile class of functional materials with significant potential for applications in chemical sensing, biomedicine, and information security. Diverse chemical strategies and design methodologies have been employed to tailor their structure-property-function relationships. In this perspective, we provide an overview of recent advancements in lanthanide-containing nanocomposite hydrogels, systematically categorized into five material-centric approaches, including upconversion nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, nanoclays, hydroxyapatite, and carbon-based nanomaterials. We summarize key developments in their composition, interfacial chemistry, and applications while also evaluating current challenges and outlining future research directions to guide the continued evolution of these hydrogel systems.