"Effect of Counterions on Self-Assembly of PFAS in Solution" 

Siddhant Kalel, MSE PhD Candidate 

Advisors: Professors Jeffrey Youngblood and Carlos Martinez

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ABSTRACT

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl substances) constitute a class of synthetic and anthropogenic compounds where the hydrogen atoms of the carbon chain are substituted by fluorine atoms. Its heightened interfacial activity in terms of lowering the surface tension has made it almost irreplaceable in industrial processes, commercial products and military applications especially in Aqueous Fire Fighting Foams (AFFF) since the 1940’s. These have also been given the name “Forever Chemicals” due to their high affinity for bioaccumulation and resistance to most chemical and biological degradation processes. This seminar focusses on the structure and properties of PFAS which make it omnipresent with a plethora of applications. It dives into the thermodynamics and kinetics of self-assembly of PFAS in solution and the effects of different factors such as salts, cosolvents and temperature on its aggregation. It touches upon various factors which determine the geometry of the aggregates along with assembly at the Air-Water Interface. It critically reviews current literature and mentions research gaps and suggestions on areas which could be of future interest.