Integration of sonolysis and electrochemical oxidation for efficient destruction of per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a class of synthetic organic chemicals known for their exceptional resistance to heat, water, and oil, owing to distinctive fluorine-carbon bonds. Their versatility however comes at a cost, as these compounds, pervasive in air, water, soil, and wildlife, pose challenges due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health implications. Many PFAS treatment methods are developed including adsorption by granular activated carbon or filtration (e.g., reverse osmosis). However, these methods can only remove/transfer PFAS from water to concentrated wastes, that need to be treated with destructive technology (end products are CO2, F, and H2O). Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is known for effectively destroying long chain PFAS. However, EO on PFOA lead to formation of short chain PFAS that is resistant to EO and long operational time is needed for complete defluorination. The goal of this project is to research and develop one treatment unit combining sonolysis and EO for rapid destruction of PFAS in water.