Vapor-Phase Detection of Perfluoroalkyl Acids using Amplifying Fluorescent Polymers

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAS) are persistent toxic chemicals with volatile properties leading to unmonitored airborne exposure pathways.
• Real-time monitoring technologies for vapor-phase PFAS acids are critically needed due to significant health and environmental concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a novel platform for the selective, real-time detection of volatile perfluoroalkyl acids in the vapor phase.
• To create sensitive and rapid sensing materials for airborne PFAS acids, enabling improved environmental monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Development of amplifying fluorescent polymers incorporating highly fluorinated moieties and pyridine-based selectors.
• Utilizing ratiometric fluorescence detection to monitor changes in polymer thin films upon exposure to PFAS acids vapor.
• Evaluating the response time, signal persistence, and detection limits of the polymer sensors for specific PFAS acids.

Main Results:

• The developed polymer thin films showed rapid responses (<5 seconds) to volatile PFAS acids.
• The polymer C8/C4PF-Py exhibited high sensitivity, with vapor-phase detection limits of 47.8 ppm (TFA), 2.38 ppm (PFBA), and 450 ppb (GenX).
• The fluorescence signal persisted for over 15 minutes, indicating stable detection.

Conclusions:

• A versatile, rapid, and selective platform for vapor-phase detection of PFAS acids has been established.
• The fluorescence-based polymer sensors offer a practical approach for routine monitoring of airborne PFAS acids, reducing reliance on expensive instrumentation.
• This technology facilitates a pathway toward better regulation and management of environmental PFAS contamination.