Magnetic fluorinated mesoporous metal-organic frameworks for rapid derivatization-assisted GC–MS analysis of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids in harsh water environment

A novel magnetic mesoporous fluorinated metal-organic framework material (Fe₃O₄@MIP-206-F) has been synthesized specifically for application as an adsorbent for perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) extraction by magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). The carefully designed Fe₃O₄@MIP-206-F material features an appropriate porosity, open metal sites of Zr, and functional groups (fluorine and amino) conducive to the adsorption process. The distinctive architecture of the material endows it with exceptional extraction capabilities for PFCAs. Adsorption mechanisms encompass acid-base interactions, hydrophobic interactions, F-F interactions, electrostatic interactions, and size complementarity. Optimization of key parameters has significantly improved the extraction efficiency of MSPE. When coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), MSPE offers rapid and highly sensitive analysis of PFCAs. The method demonstrates wide linear range (0.050–50 ng mL⁻¹), low detection limits (0.0010–0.0019 ng mL⁻¹), good recoveries (86.7 % to 111 %), and exceptional intra- and inter-day precision. This approach accurately quantifies PFCAs in lake water and groundwater samples, enabling precise assessment of environmental contamination levels and supporting targeted remediation efforts.