Fluorination of mechanochemically synthesized metal-organic frameworks for PFAS adsorption in water

Abstract

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a significant environmental and health threat due to their persistence and widespread contamination of water sources. To address this challenge, this study explores the mechanochemical synthesis of two isoreticular highly interpenetrated MOFs, TPPM-mCPW(Ph) and TPPM-mCPW(p-FPh), and investigates the influence of fluorine atoms decorating the framework on the affinity towards these pollutants. Furthermore, the dynamic structural responsiveness of these frameworks to external stimuli has been investigated. Adsorption experiments further highlighted the effect of framework fluorination on PFAS uptake, demonstrating its role in tuning material properties while maintaining structural connectivity. These results underline the potential of mechanochemistry in the discovery of novel metal-organic materials with potential applications in selective guest uptake.