Overview

• 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.