Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry for PFAS Analysis

This document is a technical report detailing the application of the SELECT SERIES Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometer in analyzing per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), specifically focusing on branched isomers of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The report outlines the methodologies employed, including the measurement of traveling wave ion mobility (TWIM) collision cross-section (CCS) values, which demonstrate a high degree of accuracy when compared to other CCS measurement techniques. The study highlights the advantages of using LC-cIM-MS for enhanced peak capacity and specificity, enabling the differentiation of isobaric and isomeric analytes. It also discusses the implications of PFAS isomer analysis for environmental studies and the challenges associated with identifying branched isomers in complex mixtures. The findings emphasize the importance of non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry strategies in advancing PFAS research and understanding their environmental impacts.