Phosphate-enabled mechanochemical PFAS destruction for fluoride reuse
Long Yang1, Zijun Chen1, Christopher A Goult1
1Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Nature
|March 27, 2025
Summary
A new method converts persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into valuable fluorochemicals. This sustainable process recovers fluorine for reuse, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative pollutants with adverse health effects.
- Existing PFAS degradation technologies primarily target specific compounds and lack fluorine recovery.
- A universal PFAS destruction method with fluorine upcycling is crucial for environmental remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a general method for degrading diverse PFAS classes, including fluoroplastics.
- To enable efficient recovery and reuse of fluorine from PFAS.
- To establish a sustainable circular economy for fluorine.
Main Methods:
- Solvent-free mechanochemical reaction of PFAS with potassium phosphate salts.
- Mineralization process to recover fluorine as potassium fluoride (KF) and potassium phosphorodifluoridate (K2PO3F).
- Recovery and reuse of phosphate salts to ensure no net impact on the phosphorus cycle.
Main Results:
- Successful conversion of multiple PFAS classes, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), into valuable fluorochemicals.
- Efficient fluorine recovery as KF and K2PO3F, suitable for subsequent fluorination chemistry.
- Demonstration of phosphate salt recoverability and reusability, confirming environmental compatibility.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol offers a general PFAS destruction pathway.
- Fluorine recovery and upcycling contribute to a sustainable circular fluorine economy.
- This approach transforms hazardous PFAS into valuable resources, mitigating environmental risks.
