Work

Electrophotocatalysis for Reductive Defluorination of PTFE and PFASs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is among the most inert poly‐ and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and its degradation under mild conditions remains underdeveloped. We report a supercapacitor‐assisted electrophotocatalysis, incorporating the strength of both electrochemical and photochemical energy, for the efficient defluorination of PTFE and other PFASs at low temperatures. CBZ6 worked as a photoreductant for injecting electrons into the inert carbon–fluorine bond, whereas the supercapacitor enabled the generation of the catalytically active species via an electrophotochemical process. Furthermore, the utilization of sunlight as the light source and supercapacitor as the electrical energy source makes the reaction portable and enables its outdoor applications.

Source: Angewandte Chemie

DOI: 10.1002/ange.202422043

Authors: Jia‐Le Fu, Yu Liu, Yi‐Ming Chen, Hao Zhang, Jian‐Ping Qu, Yan‐Biao Kang

Institutions: University of Science and Technology of China, Nanjing Tech University

Language: English

Topic: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, University of Science and Technology of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China