Superficially capped amino metal-organic framework for efficient solid-phase microextraction of perfluorinated alkyl...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread environmental contaminants in surface and groundwater.
• Developing rapid and ultrasensitive methods for PFAS quantification is critical due to their persistence and potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sorbent for trace-level PFAS analysis.
• To enhance extraction kinetics and enrichment capacity for a broad range of PFAS.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a novel hydrophobic sorbent by capping phenylsilane groups onto NH2-UiO-66(Zr) nanocrystals (NH2-UiO-66(Zr)-hp).
• Utilized the NH2-UiO-66(Zr)-hp sorbent for SPME of eleven types of PFASs in water samples.
• Analyzed extraction efficiency, kinetics, enrichment factors, and limits of detection (LODs).

Main Results:

• The NH2-UiO-66(Zr)-hp sorbent demonstrated faster extraction equilibrium (20 min) and higher enrichment factors (6.5-48) compared to non-capped materials.
• Superficial hydrophobic capping minimized moisture adsorption, enhancing PFAS adsorption via hydrophobic interactions.
• Achieved ultrasensitive detection limits for PFASs ranging from 0.035 to 0.616 ng·L-1.
• Obtained high recoveries (80.9%-120%) for PFASs in environmental water samples.

Conclusions:

• Surface hydrophobic modification of NH2-UiO-66(Zr) nanocrystals creates an effective sorbent for PFAS extraction.
• The developed SPME method provides a rapid, ultrasensitive, and reliable approach for quantifying trace PFAS in environmental matrices.
• This strategy offers a promising advancement in analytical techniques for monitoring persistent organic pollutants.