Mechanochemical upcycling of Teflon creates valuable fluorinated molecules

A team of researchers in the UK has developed a new way to upcycle PTFE, using only lumps of sodium metal and mechanical force. This simple method creates a source of fluorine which can be used to synthesise a range of valuable fluorinated small molecules.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – more commonly referred to by its brand name Teflon – is known for its thermal and chemical resistance, owing to it’s hard to break carbon–fluorine bonds. Such attributes make it an ideal material for lining reaction vessels, batteries and non-stick frying pans.