Efficient Degradation of Harmful Perfluoroalkyl Substances Using Novel Materials

Efficient degradation of harmful perfluoroalkyl substances using novel materials

Objective

• To identify promising candidates that can be effective for PFAS degradation., To systematically investigate the efficacy of alkali and alkaline earth metals in degrading PFAS., To employ ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations.

Description

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of more than 4700 man-made chemicals that have been produced since the 1950s and are still being used in diverse commercial and industrial applications owing to their unique hydrophobic and oleophobic nature., Since these are man-made chemicals, the biological enzymes are not evolved to degrade them naturally., Accordingly, these materials are found to accumulate in various organs of the human body and create adverse health conditions in humans., In this work, we will screen several metal surfaces based on the reducing nature of the metals, which could effectively degrade the PFAS.

Impact

• Promotes environmental sustainability by eliminating the need for additives., The decomposition of PFAS compounds on the metal surface is expected to produce environmentally benign metal fluoride byproducts., Contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management solution.