Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may now be broken down at ambient temperature with the help of visible LED light, according to research from Ritsumeikan University. This presents a viable option for PFAS treatment and sustainable fluorine recycling. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was broken down to 100% in under eight hours, and Nafion, a fluoropolymer, was broken down to 81% in twenty-four hours. By recovering fluorine from waste PFAS, this novel method can lessen the demand for producing new fluorine.
The novel technique from Ritsumeikan University converts PFAS and fluorinated polymers (FPs) into fluorine ions at ambient temperature via photocatalysis and visible LED lightAfter eight hours of light exposure, this method—which was described in detail in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition on June 19, 2024—completely defluorinated PFOS.
The study’s lead author, Professor Yoichi Kobayashi, stated, “This methodology is promising for effectively decomposing diverse perfluoroalkyl substances under gentle conditions, significantly contributing to the establishment of a sustainable fluorine-recycling society.”
Many businesses, notably the pharmaceutical and clean energy technology sectors, depend on fluorine. Recovering fluorine from used PFAS can help sustainable recycling methods and lessen the need for new fluorine synthesis. “This technique will contribute to the development of recycling technologies for fluorine elements, which are used in various industries, and support our prosperous society,” said Prof. Kobayashi.
