Rice University researchers develop method to recover fluorine from PFAS

Researchers at Rice University are developing methods to recover fluorine from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” While these persistent pollutants are environmentally hazardous due to their strong chemical bonds, fluorine is also a critical component in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials.

The research utilizes a technology called flash Joule heating. This process involves delivering a short electrical pulse to conductive material, raising its temperature extremely rapidly within seconds. This method differs from conventional furnace heating by creating an intense reaction environment capable of breaking strong chemical bonds.

Previous studies demonstrated that this approach could destroy PFAS in contaminated soils and convert fluorine into stable mineral forms. Recent work has expanded to explore how waste-derived fluorine can be repurposed for useful chemical processes, such as lithium recovery from brines.