PFAS degradation by ball milling with alkali hydroxides was studied to identify degradation byproducts. Degradation of PFAS occurred when KOH was used as a co-reagent, and no degradation was observed with LiOH, NaOH, and CsOH. The degradation kinetics and the best KOH:PFAS mass ratio were studied. Ion chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR spectroscopy were used to determine milled powder compositions. Potassium fluoride was found for all PFAS, perfluorocarboxylates degraded to form K2CO3 and potassium formate, perfluorinated sulfonates produced K2SO4. Products associated with incomplete destruction (CxFy) were found to be formed during the degradation of all tested PFAS. The destruction efficiency and scalability of ball milling will be discussed and the potential for disposal of end products.

Identifying final destruction products from ball milling PFAS with potassium hydroxide

ACS Spring 2022

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