(197h) Electrocatalytic Defluorination of PFAS in Aqueous Media Using Nonprecious and Industrial Materials: Mechanistic Insights and Engineering Strategies

The persistent and bioaccumulative nature of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has created urgent demand for technologies capable of complete PFAS degradation with scalable materials.[1] We report on recent advances in the ultraviolet-light-assisted electrocatalytic defluorination of PFAS using nonprecious and industrially available materials, with a focus on engineering effective and scalable reaction systems.

Using pulsed electrolysis with tailored potential modulation and polarity reversal, we achieve complete aqueous defluorination of PFAS chemicals including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS),[2] GenX,[3] and PFAS mixtures in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF).[4] Laser-synthesized nanocatalysts and thermoelement-based electrodes enable high activity under ambient conditions, eliminating the need for specialty catalyst preparation and precious metals.[5] Furthermore, the use of aqueous LiOH as electrolyte effectively suppresses anode fouling by produced fluoride through Li–F ion pair formation and competitive hydroxide adsorption, enhancing long-term performance.[6]

This work offers new mechanistic insights into the design of electrochemical systems for environmental catalysis and provides a foundation for scaling electrocatalytic PFAS degradation in water treatment applications.

References:

1. Wilsey, M. K.; Taseska, T.; Meng, Z.; Yu, W.; Müller, A. M. Chem. Commun. 2023, 59, 11895-11922.
2. Meng, Z.; Wilsey, M. K.; Cox, C. P.; Müller, A. M. J. Catal. 2024, 431, 115403.
3. Meng, Z.; Wilsey, M. K.; Müller, A. M. ChemSusChem 2025, e202402093.
4. Meng, Z.; Taseska, T.; Wilsey, M. K.; Müller, A. M. RSC Adv. 2025, 15, 8287-8292.
5. Meng, Z.; Wilsey, M. K.; Sithari, H. H.; Müller, A. M. Top. Catal. 2025.
6. Meng, Z.; Wilsey, M. K.; Müller, A. M. ACS Catal. 2024, 14, 16577−16588.