Unveiling nano-empowered catalytic mechanisms for PFAS sensing, removal and destruction in water

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-20-2024

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are organofluorine compounds used to manufacture various industrial and consumer goods. Due to their excellent physical and thermal stability ascribed to the strong C[sbnd]F bond, these are ubiquitously present globally and difficult to remediate. Extensive toxicological and epidemiological studies have confirmed these substances to cause adverse health effects. With the increasing literature on the environmental impact of PFAS, the regulations and research have also expanded. Researchers worldwide are working on the detection and remediation of PFAS. Many methods have been developed for their sensing, removal, and destruction. Amongst these methods, nanotechnology has emerged as a sustainable and affordable solution due to its tunable surface properties, high sorption capacities, and excellent reactivities. This review comprehensively discusses the recently developed nanoengineered materials used for detecting, sequestering, and destroying PFAS from aqueous matrices. Innovative designs of nanocomposites and their efficiency for the sensing, removal, and degradation of these persistent pollutants are reviewed, and key insights are analyzed. The mechanistic details and evidence available to support the cleavage of the C[sbnd]F bond during the treatment of PFAS in water are critically examined. Moreover, it highlights the challenges during PFAS quantification and analysis, including the analysis of intermediates in transitioning nanotechnologies from the laboratory to the field.

Identifier

85180758459 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Science of the Total Environment

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169279

e-ISSN

18791026

ISSN

00489697

PubMed ID

38123092

Volume

912

Grant

-1543944

Fund Ref

National Science Foundation

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