PDMS-coated γCD-MOF solid-phase microextraction fiber for BTEX analysis with boosted performances

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ubiquitous occurrence and chemotoxicity of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) necessitate rapid and accurate environmental monitoring methods.
• Existing analysis methods lack the required stability and sensitivity for effective BTEX risk assessment.
• Development of robust analytical tools is crucial for environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, stable, and highly sensitive SPME fiber for efficient BTEX detection.
• To improve the performance and durability of MOF-based adsorbents in challenging sample matrices.
• To provide a reliable method for quantitative determination of BTEX in real-world environmental samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) fiber using a thermal deposition method.
• Utilized γCD-MOF as the adsorbent material, functionalized with PDMS for enhanced stability and adhesion.
• Evaluated the fiber's extraction performance, structural stability in aqueous and methanol samples, and detection limits for BTEX.

Main Results:

• The PDMS-protected γCD-MOF SPME fiber demonstrated significantly improved extraction efficiency and long-term structural stability (up to one week).
• Achieved ultra-low detection limits for BTEX ranging from 0.13-0.29 ng L⁻¹, with a wide linear range of 1-1000 ng L⁻¹.
• The developed method showed superior performance compared to commercial PDMS fibers and other MOF-based fibers, validated by analysis of real water samples.

Conclusions:

• The PDMS protection strategy effectively enhances the stability and performance of γCD-MOF in SPME applications.
• The developed ultrasensitive and stable SPME fiber offers a promising tool for rapid BTEX monitoring in aqueous and other challenging environments.
• This work presents an effective strategy for creating advanced SPME fibers for environmental risk assessment and monitoring.