Exploration of PFAS degradation over lower titanium suboxides: Ti6O11 case
Tijana Milivojević1, Maja Ranković2, Nemanja Gavrilov2
1Centre for Ecotoxicological Research, Bulevar Šarla de Gola 2, Podgorica 81000, Montenegro.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|August 12, 2026
Summary
The Magneli phase Ti6O11 effectively degrades per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using electrochemical oxidation. This method generates key radicals, offering a promising alternative for PFAS remediation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants requiring effective remediation strategies.
- Electrochemical oxidation is a promising technology for degrading challenging organic contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate the Magneli phase Ti6O11 for electrochemical oxidation of PFAS.
- To elucidate the degradation mechanism and assess the efficiency of Ti6O11 in real water matrices.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of Ti6O11 using Rietveld refinement, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy.
- Electrochemical oxidation under potentiostatic control, monitored by EPR spectroscopy, UPLC-MS/MS, and theoretical calculations.
- Degradation experiments in river water containing a mixed PFAS panel.
Main Results:
- Ti6O11 was confirmed as the predominant phase, generating sulfate and hydroxyl radicals crucial for PFAS degradation.
- Achieved 94% degradation of PFOS and 67% of PFOA, with high efficiency for long-chain PFAS in river water (∼95%).
- PFOS degradation was more energy-efficient and proceeded barrierlessly compared to PFOA.
Conclusions:
- Ti6O11 is a viable alternative to Ti4O7 for electrochemical PFAS oxidation.
- The study provides insights into radical-mediated degradation pathways and energy efficiency for PFAS remediation.