Efficient Removal of PFCs from Fluoropolymer Production Wastewater Using Functionalized MCM-41 Adsorbents

Shoufeng Wang; Qianye Wang; Xueyu Li

doi:10.6919/ICJE.202604_12(4).0027

Authors

Shoufeng Wang
Qianye Wang
Xueyu Li

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6919/ICJE.202604_12(4).0027

Keywords:

Perfluorinated Compounds; MCM-41; Surface Functionalization; Adsorption; Fluoropolymer Wastewater.

Abstract

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), especially perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are persistent organic pollutants of increasing concern because of their extensive use in fluoropolymer production and their environmental persistence. In this work, mesoporous MCM-41 was synthesized and further functionalized by post-grafting to obtain amino-modified MCM-41 (MCM-41-NH₂) and fluorinated MCM-41 (MCM-41-3F-Cl). Their adsorption performances toward representative PFCs were systematically evaluated through structural characterization, adsorption isotherm analysis, regeneration tests, and treatment of real fluoropolymer emulsions. The results showed that surface functionalization significantly improved the adsorption performance of MCM-41. Structural characterization confirmed that the mesoporous framework was retained after modification, while the introduced functional groups effectively altered the surface properties of the adsorbents. Both functionalized materials exhibited high adsorption capacities toward PFOA, with maximum values of approximately 380-390 mg/g. In addition, high removal efficiencies were obtained for PFOS and PFBA. Among the tested materials, MCM-41-3F-Cl showed the most balanced overall performance, including good regeneration stability over five adsorption–desorption cycles and effective treatment of real fluoropolymer emulsions. The removal efficiency of PFOA remained above 90%, and the residual concentration was reduced to below 25 μg/L. These results indicate that functionalized MCM-41, especially MCM-41-3F-Cl, is a promising adsorbent for the treatment of PFC-containing fluoropolymer wastewater.

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