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Phosphate-enabled mechanochemical PFAS destruction for fluoride reuse

Author

Listed:
  • Long Yang

    (University of Oxford)

  • Zijun Chen

    (University of Oxford)

  • Christopher A. Goult

    (University of Oxford)

  • Thomas Schlatzer

    (University of Oxford)

  • Robert S. Paton

    (Colorado State University)

  • Véronique Gouverneur

    (University of Oxford)

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent, bioaccumulative and anthropogenic pollutants that have attracted the attention of the public and private sectors because of their adverse impact on human health1. Although various technologies have been deployed to degrade PFASs with a focus on non-polymeric functionalized compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)2–4, a general PFAS destruction method coupled with fluorine recovery for upcycling is highly desirable. Here we disclose a protocol that converts multiple classes of PFAS, including the fluoroplastics polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, into high-value fluorochemicals. To achieve this, PFASs were reacted with potassium phosphate salts under solvent-free mechanochemical conditions, a mineralization process enabling fluorine recovery as KF and K2PO3F for fluorination chemistry. The phosphate salts can be recovered for reuse, implying no detrimental impact on the phosphorus cycle. Therefore, PFASs are not only destructible but can now contribute to a sustainable circular fluorine economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Long Yang & Zijun Chen & Christopher A. Goult & Thomas Schlatzer & Robert S. Paton & Véronique Gouverneur, 2025. "Phosphate-enabled mechanochemical PFAS destruction for fluoride reuse," Nature, Nature, vol. 640(8057), pages 100-106, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:640:y:2025:i:8057:d:10.1038_s41586-025-08698-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08698-5
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