617 - Electrochemical Degradation of Fluorinated Compounds using Thin Films

Emerging contaminants of concern including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been known to occur in both natural and engineered forms of water systems. PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals, can be persistent in the environment and the human body. These man-made chemicals are toxic to human health with long-lasting effects. Several treatment technologies are currently being researched and developed (e.g., nanofiltration, adsorption and low-pressure reverse osmosis). These methods have their own pros and cons. The research work herein focuses on the application of advanced materials and technologies for the electrochemical treatment of fluorinated compounds. The current study sheds light on tetratitanium heptoxide (Ti4O7) thin films (~50 nm thick) that can be directly deposited on inexpensive substrates such as mild steel using pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). Microscopy and spectroscopy tests were used to detect and analyze the typical signatures and morphologies of Ti4O7 thin films. Our preliminary results indicate the ability of these films to catalyze electrochemical reactions relevant to generation of the radicals required to electrochemically destroy the PFAS compounds. This study will briefly discuss the PLD parameters required to optimize the composition of the thin films. The current study shows the promise for thinning down the bulk Ti4O7 materials into micron-scale films and applying them on cost effective materials for subsequent use towards PFAS treatment. We briefly discuss the prospects of these thin films for improving the cost effectiveness and sustainability of contemporary materials used in the PFAS treatment technologies.