A new defluorination strategy developed at ICMUB has just been published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
Fluoropolymers are used in many everyday and high-tech applications. However, they can release toxic and/or corrosive substances (PFAS, hydrofluoric acid, etc.) when they reach the end of their useful life. To address this problem, researchers at ICMUB (University of Burgundy Europe, CNRS) and their partners (ICMMO, LCPO) have recently developed an innovative method for the catalytic defluorination of fluoropolymers such as PVF and PVDF, using titanium complexes and Friedel–Crafts-type conditions. This approach, combined with the use of triethylsilane, yields copolymers with a low residual fluorine content (up to 0.8%).
The study, led by Dr. Adrien Normand, opens up new possibilities for the recycling and recovery of fluoropolymers, thereby reducing their environmental impact.
🔗 Read the article « Titanium-Catalyzed Defluorination of Poly(Vinyl Fluoride) and Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Under Friedel–Crafts Conditions » : https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.4183926