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Rice University researchers develop method to recycle PFAS waste into silver fluoride
Researchers at Rice University, led by chemist James Tour, have developed a new method to recycle fluorine from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) waste. This breakthrough aims to transform persistent ‘forever chemicals’ from an environmental liability into a valuable raw material.
The process, known as flash-encapsulated fluorination, utilizes short electrical pulses to rapidly heat material—such as PFAS captured by activated carbon from water—within seconds. This heat causes fluorine-containing compounds to release, which are then captured by silver to create silver fluoride.
According to the researchers, approximately 90 percent of the recovered fluorine can be reused as silver fluoride. This material is a critical component in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and modern material science. This method offers a way to create a circular economy for fluorine, rather than simply converting PFAS into less problematic but still wasteful inorganic fluorides.
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- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 90 percent of the recovered fluorine can be reused as silver fluoride. www.fehmarn24.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Short electrical pulses are used to heat the material intensely within seconds. www.fehmarn24.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to recover fluorine from PFAS waste. www.fehmarn24.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The process used is called flash-encapsulated fluorination. www.fehmarn24.de