Photocatalytic degradation of PFOA : defluorination, toxicity assessment and catalyst regeneration : research data underlying the article

Žener, Boštjan (author), Jamil, Qasim (author), Matoh, Lev (author), Šuligoj, Andraž (author), Kraševec, Ida (author), Papac Zjačić, Josipa (author), Romac, Sandra (author), Kušić, Hrvoje (author), Novak Tušar, Nataša (author), Lavrenčič Štangar, Urška (author)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a large group of over 12000 variants of synthetic fluorine compounds widely used since the 1950s. Owing to their widespread use and the exceptional strength of the C−F bonds, these compounds have started to accumulate in the environment and resist conventional degradation processes. In this work, we investigate the chemical-free photocatalytic degradation and defluorination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) using platinum-modified titanium dioxide (Pt−TiO$_2$). The effects of various parameters (Pt modification, light intensity and initial PFOA concentration) on photocatalytic efficiency were investigated. The photocatalysts have been extensively characterized, including their structural, morphological, surface-chemical, thermal, and optical properties. LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed breakdown of PFOA molecules by chain-shortening. Although released fluoride ions may contribute to increase in toxicity, the tests show reduced overall toxicity during treatment, confirming environmental relevance. The synthesized Pt−TiO$_2$ demonstrated significantly higher photocatalytic activity under UV-A irradiation compared to commercial P25, achieving up to 99 % parent compound degradation and 50 % defluorination. Calcination of the catalyst removed the adsorbed fluoride species from its surface and restored its activity during reuse.

• Language: English
• Keywords: PFOA, photocatalysis, defluorination, toxicity, degradation intermediates
• Typology: 2.20 - Complete scientific database of research data
• Organization: FKKT - Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
• Year: 2026
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-185024
• Data col. methods: Measurements and tests
• Publication date in RUL: 28.07.2026

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: PFOA, fotokataliza, defluoriranje, toksičnost, vmesni produkti razgradnje

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: J2-4444
• Name: Fotokatalitska razgradnja perfluoriranih snovi v vodi s sončno svetlobo

• Funder: HRZZ - Croatian Science Foundation
• Project number: IPS-2022-02-4780
• Name: Solar-assisted photocatalytic degradation of perfluorinated compounds in water