Research Progress on Reductive Defluorination of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

doi:10.6023/cjoc202601015

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a highly stable “forever chemical” that resists degradation, and its waste accumulation has led to environmental issues. Therefore, the development of efficient defluorination technologies for PTFE recycling is highly desirable. This review summarizes the recent advances in the reductive defluorination of PTFE, encompassing metal- and metallic compound-promoted defluorination, photo-/photoelectrocatalytic defluorination, and mechanochemical defluorination. Finally, perspectives on future research in this field are proposed.

Key words: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), reductive defluorination, C—F bond cleavage, recycle, green chemistry

Cite this article

Xiong She, Hao Cui, Xiao Zhang. Research Progress on Reductive Defluorination of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)[J]. Chinese Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2026, 46(6): 2241-2248.

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Fig. & Tab. 17

Scheme 1. Surface modification of polytetrafluoroethylene for application in vascular prostheses

Scheme 2. Electrochemical corrosion of polytetrafluorethylene contacting lithium amalgam

Scheme 3. Chemical reduction of poly(tetrafluoroethylene)

Scheme 4. Surface defluorination of PTFE by sodium atoms

Scheme 5. Simultaneous fluorine elimination and alkylation of poly(tetrafluoroethylene)

Scheme 6. Preparation of polymeric carbon from PTFE in the suspension of alkali metals

Scheme 7. Carbonization of highly oriented poly(tetrafluoro- ethylene)

Scheme 8. Surface modification of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) by magnesium amalgam

Scheme 9. Room-temperature defluorination of polytetrafluoroethylene using a magnesium reagent

Scheme 10. Direct defluorination and amination of polytetrafluoroethylene and other fluoropolymers using lithium alkylamides

Scheme 11. Room-temperature defluorination of PTFE and PFAS via sodium dispersion

Scheme 12. Photocatalytic low-temperature defluorination of PFASs

Scheme 13. Electrophotocatalysis for reductive defluorination of PTFE and PFASs

Scheme 14. Decomposition of polytetrafluoroethylene by grind- ing with strontium oxide

Scheme 15. Upcycling of PTFE and PVDF to fluorochemicals through mechanochemical process

Scheme 16. A reductive mechanochemical approach enabling direct upcycling of fluoride from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into fine chemicals

Scheme 17. Phosphate-enabled mechanochemical PFAS destruction for fluoride reuse

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