PFAS Adsorption and Degradation

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) have been a concern due to their robust nature and hydrophilic head group, making it soluble in water and causing bioaccumulation in marine life alongside permeation into drinking water. In order to more effectively remove these molecules from the ecosystem, MOFs have been touted as a key candidate. Notably, recent research from the Zhou group explored the adsorption mechanisms of two different types of MOFs, including crystallographically characterized adsorption of PFOA by binding to open coordination sites in PCN-999, and the inclusion of free hydroxyl groups in PCN-1002 to promote hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, the Zhou group has shown integrated adsorption and degradation in PCN-1003, promoting the in-situ decarboxylation and degradation of PFOA to occur at lower temperatures and with quicker dynamics in comparison to the uncatalyzed reaction, while maintaining the integrity of the MOF.