Metal-Organic Cage-Based Three-Channel Fluorescence Sensor Array for Discriminating Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Jiayi Fan1, Mengyun Lu1, Xinwen Jia1
1College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Avenue 100, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China.
Inorganic Chemistry
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel fluorescence sensor array for detecting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This array offers precise identification and sensitive detection of PFASs in water samples with high accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic pollutants with significant environmental and health risks.
- Rapid and sensitive detection technologies for PFASs are crucial for environmental protection and human health.
- Existing detection methods may lack the sensitivity or specificity required for comprehensive PFAS monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel, highly sensitive, and selective fluorescence-based sensors for the detection and identification of PFASs.
- To create a multi-channel sensor array capable of distinguishing between different PFAS species.
- To investigate the mechanism behind the fluorescence enhancement upon PFAS detection.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of NH2-Zr-MOC using a solvothermal method.
- Functionalization of the MOC to create Zr-MOC-NH-CO-F5 and RGH@NH2-Zr-MOC composites.
- Construction of a three-channel fluorescence sensor array utilizing the functionalized MOCs.
- Application of pattern recognition for PFAS identification and quantification.
Main Results:
- The sensor array achieved precise identification and sensitive detection of three PFASs at concentrations as low as 2 μM, with a lowest LOD of 22 nM.
- The array demonstrated high accuracy (92.5%) in identifying PFASs in real water samples (tap water and lake water).
- Distinct fluorescence enhancement signals were observed for different PFAS species, attributed to varying adsorption affinities.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescence sensor array provides a promising tool for accurate and sensitive detection of PFASs in environmental samples.
- The synergistic effects of multiple interactions within the MOC composites are key to the enhanced fluorescence response.
- This technology contributes to advancing environmental monitoring and safeguarding human health from PFAS contamination.
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