Postdoc-position | Circular fluorine economy: Catalytic defluorination and upcycling of PFAS

Description of project:

This postdoctoral project targets the circular recovery of fluorine from poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)—a class of persistent, toxic environmental pollutants. PFAS are extensively used in industry and consumer products, leading to their widespread presence in water and soil. Their strong carbon–fluorine bonds make them exceptionally resistant to degradation. The project proposes an innovative closed-loop PFAS valorization strategy that integrates advanced defluorination with reuse of fluorine-rich intermediates in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis. It builds on the following objectives:

- Photocatalytic and Biocatalytic Degradation of PFAS

Develop and apply photocatalytic and photobiocatalytic approaches to break down PFAS compounds into smaller, less harmful fluorinated fragments. Emphasis will be placed on technologies such as UV/sulfite systems, electrochemical oxidation, and enzymatic transformations (e.g., fluorinase- or aldolase-based systems).

- Analytical Characterization of PFAS Degradation Products

Utilize advanced analytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, NMR) to monitor PFAS degradation pathways and characterize the generated fluorinated intermediates. Special focus will be on identifying valuable fragments that retain fluorine atoms suitable for further synthetic applications.

- Fluorine Recovery via Chemical and Enzymatic Synthesis

Transform the fluorinated degradation products into high-value compounds through tailored chemical or enzymatic fluorination strategies. This includes applying known fluorinases or engineering novel enzymatic routes to build reusable fluorinated building blocks, aligning with the principles of green chemistry and circular fluorine economy.

Background:

The project supports the mission of Program 1 and 3 by promoting green materials cycles and biocatalytic synthesis routes. It addresses a critical environmental and regulatory challenge—PFAS contamination—while simultaneously proposing innovative recycling of fluorine for use in drug discovery and specialty chemistry.

Research Objectives:

- Develop novel photocatalytic/biocatalytic systems for PFAS degradation.

- Elucidate transformation pathways and characterize fluorinated intermediates.

- Explore enzymatic methods to incorporate recovered fluorine into value-added chemicals.

- Integrate degradation and synthesis in a holistic fluorine recovery platform.

Methods:

- Experience with homogenous and heterogenous photocatalysis

- Advanced Oxidation Processes

- Hands-on expertise in LC-MS/MS and NMR for structural elucidation of degradation products

- LC/MS, NMR, FTIR for molecular characterization

- Flow Chemistry or Microreactor systems

Where to apply:

https://www.circularbioengineering.at/