International research involving ICMol discovers how to destroy teflon and other persistent pollutants at room temperature

An international team, with the participation of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol), a research centre at the University of Valencia Science Park, has developed a system capable of degrading both teflon (PTFE) and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), known as "eternal contaminants", without the need for high temperatures or complex chemical reagents. The finding, published in Nature Communications, opens a new avenue for the disposal and recycling of highly persistent fluorinated compounds, hitherto considered virtually indestructible

For decades, fluorinated materials such as teflon and other perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) have been almost indispensable in sectors such as the chemical, textile or electronics industries, among others, thanks to their resistance to heat, friction and chemicals. However, the stability that made them so valuable also poses a persistent environmental threat. So-called 'eternal pollutants' are virtually impossible to degrade and can now be detected in water, soil and living organisms all over the planet.

A research group led by Taichi Araki and Norio Shibata, from Nagoya University (Japan), has succeeded in breaking down the strongest carbon-fluorine bonds of organic chemistry at room temperature, using a simple, efficient process without the need for extreme conditions. Jorge Escorihuela, full professor of the Department of Organic Chemistry and researcher at the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol), located in the academic scientific area of the University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV).

The method is based on a dispersion of metallic sodium, a reagent which when in contact with fluorinated polymers causes their complete defluorination and transforms the fluoride contained in the materials into sodium fluoride (NaF), a stable and recyclable compound. The process does not require additional heat or special equipment, and can recover up to 97% of fluoride in the form of NaF. The team has demonstrated the effectiveness of this method not only with teflon (PTFE), but also with common PFAS molecules -PFOA, PFNA, PFBS and TFA- known for their environmental persistence.

"The work represents a valuable contribution due to its simplicity and contributes to the circular economy of fluorine, opening new ways for the recovery of this key element in the chemical industry", Jorge Escorihuela, ICMol scientist

The simplicity of the procedure, which can be carried out even at room temperature, opens the door to new industrial and environmental strategies for the treatment of fluorinated waste. According to the authors, the technique could be applied to the management of plastic waste as well as to the decontamination of soil and water affected by PFAS. "This finding demonstrates that efficient defluorination can be achieved without extreme conditions. This is an important step towards a more sustainable chemistry," says Norio Shibata.

"In recent years, several scientific studies have shown a significant evolution in the field of fluoropolymer destruction," adds Jorge Escorihuela. "The work represents a valuable contribution due to its simplicity and contributes to the circular economy of fluorine, opening new ways for the recovery of this key element in the chemical industry," concludes the ICMol scientist.

Source: ICMol