A luminescent chemical sensor integrated with at least one molecular trap. The luminescent chemical sensor includes at least one molecular trap and at least one metallic-nanofinger device integrated with at least one molecular trap. The molecular trap includes a plurality of electrodes that trap at least one analyte molecule. The metallic-nanofinger device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. A nanofinger of the plurality includes a flexible column, and a metallic cap coupled to an apex of the flexible column. At least the nanofinger and a second nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with the analyte molecule. A method for using, and a chemical-analysis apparatus including the luminescent chemical sensor are also provided.