Researchers Develop Breakthrough Method to Destroy PFAS and Recycle Fluoride
The innovative process, published in Nature, addresses persistent pollution by breaking down all PFAS classes and recovering fluorine for industrial reuse.
- Scientists at the University of Oxford and Colorado State University have demonstrated a method to destroy PFAS chemicals while recovering fluorine for reuse in industrial processes.
- The process uses potassium phosphate salts and ball milling to break down PFAS, enabling the recovery of fluoride for applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other industries.
- This method provides a solution for managing PFAS waste, which has caused widespread environmental contamination due to its resistance to degradation.
- Recovered phosphate is reused in the process, minimizing environmental impact and contributing to a circular fluorine economy.
- The discovery was inspired by a serendipitous observation during earlier experiments, highlighting the role of interdisciplinary research in addressing critical environmental challenges.
Nature 