This presentation reports novel and critical structure-reactivity relationships within multiple series of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) undergoing defluorination with UV-excited hydrated electron. We have observed vastly different reactivities of PFASs with variable head functional groups and fluoroalkyl chain lengths. These structural features influence the stability of specific C−F bonds in PFAS molecules and thus the rate and extent of defluorination. PFAS treatment experiments, theoretical calculations, and mass spectrometry analysis of PFAS degradation products collectively provide critical information for developing PFAS treatment processes and technologies to destruct a wide scope of PFAS pollutants, and for designing fluorochemical formulations to avoid releasing recalcitrant PFASs into the environment.

Defluorination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with hydrated electron: Structural dependence and implications to PFAS remediation and management

2019 Spring National Meeting

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