Destructive approaches for the removal of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous systems have always been a major challenge for environmental engineers due to the high energy of carbon-fluorine bonds in their structure. So far, various advanced oxidation and reduction processes based on UV/Photocatalysis as an alternative to insufficient traditional techniques have been successfully proposed for a wide range of recalcitrant organics, but in this case, poor performance and vague kinetic are impeding the practicality of photocatalysis technology for PFAS treatment. This study herein reveals the pivotal role of holes along with electrons and hydroxyl radicals in a simultaneous oxidative/reductive degradation mechanism of PFAS using a bismuth phosphate-based semiconductor (Bi3O (OH) (PO4)2 or BOHP) as photocatalyst. Detection of shorter chain PFAS in the reaction solution suggested that they degrade to smaller PFAS by losing CF2 in a stepwise manner. Investigating the effects of carbon chain length (C4 to C10) on the degradation efficiency showed that as the chain length decreases, the degradation rate drops as well, which is likely attributed to the lower tendency of smaller PFAS to adsorb on the surface of the catalyst particles. Also the individual effects of major co-constituents of AFFF-contaminated groundwaters, as the main target, were assessed on the kinetics of the reaction. Finally, the performance of the developed process was evaluated in a pilot-scale system (Photocat, Purifics Inc.) consisting of high turbulence annular rectors for treating tap water matrix samples spiked by PFAS as well as AFFF-contaminated groundwater samples. The results demonstrated a much faster degradation rate in comparison to the benchtop system, considering the actual residence time of the solution in the reactor.

PFAS degradation in UV/BOHP photocatalytic system: Mechanisms and pilot-scale studies

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.