EnvChemLi · Development of Catalyst Systems and Mechanistic Studies for the Degradation of Fluorinated Pollutants

Fluorinated pollutants, especially per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are among the most persistent contaminants in water systems. Their extreme chemical stability—earning them the name “forever chemicals”—allows them to resist natural degradation, accumulate in ecosystems, and pose long-term health risks. Conventional treatment methods capture PFAS but rarely destroy them, leaving the core problem unresolved. Addressing this challenge requires strategies that both remove and break down PFAS into harmless products.This project will develop and evaluate catalyst systems for PFAS degradation. Catalysts can disrupt the strong carbon–fluorine bonds that make PFAS resistant to treatment. Four objectives guide the research. First, a series of catalysts—palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), bimetallic Rh–Pd, and boron nitride (BN)—will be synthesized on supports such as alumina, silica, and activated carbon and fully characterized. Second, mechanistic studies will examine how PFAS interact with these catalysts, focusing on sorption kinetics, byproduct formation, and catalyst stability under hydrogen conditions, using both model compounds and PFAS with varied functional groups. Third, catalytic processes will be optimized for faster and more complete defluorination, and tested in combination with ultraviolet light or peroxide treatments to identify synergistic effects. Finally, the most effective catalysts will be validated with complex wastewater to assess real-world performance and regeneration potential.The project will deliver optimized catalysts, insights into PFAS degradation mechanisms, and guidance for sustainable treatment processes. By integrating catalyst design, mechanistic understanding, process optimization, and field validation, it will advance innovative solutions to PFAS contamination and contribute to safeguarding water quality.