Enhanced-Type Quantitative Luminescence Recognition for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by a Metal-Organic...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants requiring sensitive detection methods.
• Conventional methods for PFAS detection are often slow or lack quantitative accuracy.
• Luminescent sensing using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) shows promise but faces challenges with material stability and recyclability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable and reusable luminescent sensor for the rapid and quantitative detection of PFAS.
• To address the limitations of MOF powders in practical environmental monitoring applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a millimeter-sized luminescent MOF single crystal.
• Utilizing host-guest interactions for analyte-specific luminescence modulation.
• Testing the sensor's response to five common PFAS compounds.
• Evaluating sensor stability and recyclability over multiple detection cycles.

Main Results:

• The MOF single crystal sensor demonstrated an enhanced luminescence response upon binding with PFAS.
• The sensor exhibited exponential responses to five target PFAS compounds.
• The single-crystal format provided structural integrity, ease of handling, and facile recovery.
• The sensor maintained its performance over 10 recycling cycles, indicating high durability.

Conclusions:

• A durable and scalable luminescent MOF single crystal platform was developed for PFAS detection.
• The single-crystal format significantly improves the stability and recyclability of MOF-based sensors.
• Dimensional control of MOFs is crucial for advancing sensing technologies in environmental monitoring.