The present application relates to a novel method for reductive degradation of perfluoroalkyl-containing compounds, such as perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, by activated carbon (AC) supported zero valent iron-nickel nanoparticles (nNi.sup.0Fe.sup.0).

A system for breaking down a PFA (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl) compound includes a reactor vessel, a heater, and a catalyst. The reactor vessel is operable to hold influent that includes a PFA compound, an alkali, and water, while alkaline hydrolysis separates a fluorine atom from the PFA compound in the influent. The heater is operable to heat the influent to a temperature within the range of 100? Celsius to 700? Celsius. And the catalyst is operable to increase the rate at which alkaline hydrolysis separates a fluorine atom from a PFA compound. The catalyst includes a body that includes a transition metal, which is a d-block metal or a metal from any of the periodic table's groups 4-11. The body also has a shape configured to multiply a surface-area-to-volume ratio by at least 1.5 when the body is disposed in an influent experiencing alkaline hydrolysis.

A system for breaking down a PFA (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl) compound includes a reactor vessel, a heater, and a catalyst. The reactor vessel is operable to hold influent that includes a PFA compound, an alkali, and water, while alkaline hydrolysis separates a fluorine atom from the PFA compound in the influent. The heater is operable to heat the influent to a temperature within the range of 100? Celsius to 700? Celsius. And the catalyst is operable to increase the rate at which alkaline hydrolysis separates a fluorine atom from a PFA compound. The catalyst includes a body that includes a transition metal, which is a d-block metal or a metal from any of the periodic table's groups 4-11. The body also has a shape configured to multiply a surface-area-to-volume ratio by at least 1.5 when the body is disposed in an influent experiencing alkaline hydrolysis.

A closed-loop system and methods for the remediation of an aqueous solution comprising a polychlorinated biphenyl employing carbon modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles having a Ti:C atomic ratio of 3:1 to 6:1 and a bandgap energy of 1.4-2.0 eV as photocatalysts.

A closed-loop system and methods for the remediation of an aqueous solution comprising a polychlorinated biphenyl employing carbon modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles having a Ti:C atomic ratio of 3:1 to 6:1 and a bandgap energy of 1.4-2.0 eV as photocatalysts.

A decomposer for an organohalogen compound, containing iron particles comprising iron and iron oxide, wherein the iron particles have a metallic iron content of 15% or more by mass, wherein the metallic iron content is a content of metallic iron in the outermost surface layer of the iron particles to which the ion beam etching has been applied twice under the following etching conditions: degree of vacuum in a chamber: 2.010.sup.2 Pa accelerating voltage of an ion gun: 10 kV emission current: 10 mA etching time: 14 seconds.
The decomposer need not contain copper and has the ability to satisfactorily decompose an organohalogen compound. A method for producing the decomposer is also provided.

A decomposer for an organohalogen compound, containing iron particles comprising iron and iron oxide, wherein the iron particles have a metallic iron content of 15% or more by mass, wherein the metallic iron content is a content of metallic iron in the outermost surface layer of the iron particles to which the ion beam etching has been applied twice under the following etching conditions: degree of vacuum in a chamber: 2.010.sup.2 Pa accelerating voltage of an ion gun: 10 kV emission current: 10 mA etching time: 14 seconds.
The decomposer need not contain copper and has the ability to satisfactorily decompose an organohalogen compound. A method for producing the decomposer is also provided.

Disclosed herein are methods for mineralizing a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), the method comprising heating a solution comprising the PFAS, a base, and a polar aprotic solvent to an effective mineralization temperature.

Disclosed herein are methods for mineralizing a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), the method comprising heating a solution comprising the PFAS, a base, and a polar aprotic solvent to an effective mineralization temperature.

There is disclosed a process for debromination of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) through co-pyrolysis with zinc oxide (ZnO) and franklinite (ZnFe.sub.2O.sub.4) to effectively restrict brominated species emission from NBFRs during thermal degradation. The method addresses environmental concerns by converting tetrabromobisphenol A 2,3-dibromopropyl ether (TBBPA-DBPE) and tetrabromobisphenol A diallyl ether (TBBPA-DAE) into bromine-free hydrocarbons. Utilizing Zn-based metal oxides from electrical arc furnace dust (EAFD), this process transforms them into metal bromides, facilitating selective zinc extraction. Thermogravimetric analysis guides pyrolysis at up to 500 C., revealing ZnO's efficacy in capturing 92% of HBr gas and producing minimal brominated compounds (relative area, 0.83%). Phenol emerges as a significant condensable product, while inorganic gases and methane dominates the non-condensable fraction. The retained metal bromides in pyrochar and <8% HBr gas emissions underscore ZnO's debromination potential. This method also suggests ZnO's application for dehalogenating other polymers and using spinel ferrites in combating brominated polymers.