Influence of reactor composition on the thermal decomposition of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)

Various reactor tubes (quartz, stainless steel 316 and stainless steel 253 MA) were used to examine their influence on the thermal decomposition of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) between 400 and 1000 °C. Using helium as a carrier gas, with the addition of 100 – 300 ppm of PFOS to the feed gas, the influence of the reactor materials on PFOS decomposition was studied. The quartz reactor led to a notable reduction in the concentration of HF and substantial quantities of SiF4 were observed. Stainless steel 316 produced C2F4, HF, COF2 and SO2 as its primary products up to 800 °C. However, at temperatures above 800 °C, near quantitative removal of SO2 from the gas phase was observed, with the concomitant formation of a blue molybdenum sulfur complex. Stainless steel 253 MA, the composition of which contains over 1% Si produced substantial quantities of SiF4 but no significant decrease in the gas phase concentration of HF. Environmental implication: This research underscores the significant role of reactor material in the thermal treatment of PFAS, a globally widespread and enduring environmental contaminant. The findings have direct implications for the optimization of thermal treatment strategies aimed at mitigating PFAS contamination. The insight into how different reactor materials interact with PFOS during thermal treatment expands our understanding of potential destruction methods. This knowledge is crucial in the development of effective, sustainable strategies for managing persistent environmental pollutants like PFAS.