Recent advances in the degradation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) at low temperature (≤100 °C)

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a polymeric material that displays remarkable thermal and chemical stability. These properties have allowed for the widespread application of PTFE in both everyday and specialist environments but come at a price when the time comes for its disposal. PTFE is highly persistent in landfill, pyrolysis generates low molecular weight ‘forever chemicals’ and forcing conditions are typically required for its mineralization. Recently, these challenges have inspired intense research to discover new methods for the low-temperature degradation of PTFE. In several cases, the fluoride that is liberated can be upcycled through incorporation into fluorinated fine chemicals. This Perspective explores the cutting-edge methods for the degradation of PTFE at low temperature and, in some cases, subsequent chemical upcycling.