Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals known for their chemical stability and resistance to heat, water, and oils. These same properties, however, result in environmental persistence and widespread contamination of water, soil, air, and living organisms. Chronic PFAS exposure is linked to serious health risks, including immunotoxicity, cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental issues, underscoring the need for rapid, accessible detection methods. While liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) remains the gold standard for PFAS analysis, it is costly, time-intensive, and unsuitable for on-site monitoring. Various optical and electrochemical PFAS sensors have been reported, offering promising alternatives due to their low cost, portability, and rapid response times. However, achieving high sensitivity and selectivity while maintaining low cost and field deployability remains a challenge. This study investigates the application of fluorinated ligands and molecular imprinting strategies to improve the detection of PFOS, a prevalent PFAS compound, using MIP-based methods. We fabricate a sensor comprising a thin alumina layer with selective binding sites, deposited on gold or ITO electrodes. PFOS detection is performed via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). We also investigate the impact of fabrication parameters, such as template concentration, on sensor performance. Preliminary results suggest that the ALD-MIP sensor is a promising platform for rapid and cost-effective PFAS detection, with significant potential for global water quality monitoring.
