Direct measurement of fluorocarbon radicals in the thermal destruction of perfluorohexanoic acid using photoionization mass spectrometry.

ABSTRACT: Thermal destruction is a critical cornerstone of addressing the rampant contamination of natural resources with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, grave concerns associated with stack emissions from incineration exist because mechanistic studies have thus far relied on ex situ analyses of end products and theoretical calculations. Here, we used synchrotron-based vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry to study the pyrolysis of a representative PFAS-perfluorohexanoic acid-and provide direct evidence of fluorocarbon radicals and intermediates. A key reaction pathway from perfluorocarboxylic acids to ketenes via acyl fluorides is proposed. We furthermore propose CF₂/CF₃ radical-centered pyrolysis mechanisms and explain their roles in the fo

SUBMITTER: Xu MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11870085 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature