Improved boron nitride nanomaterial morphologies for the enhanced photocatalytic remediation of perfluorooctanoic acid

Abstract

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT), nanobarbs (BNNB), and nanoparticles (BNNP) were used as photocatalysts under 254 nm UV irradiation for the photodegradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Mass spectrometry was used to monitor PFOA degradation via a stepwise mechanism in which CF₂ groups were excised from the parent chain. All BNNM were effective catalysts, with BNNB exhibiting the fastest photodegradation rate, and BNNT showing increased activity upon reuse. The enhanced activity of BNNB and BNNT, along with the ability to incorporate these materials into robust structures, makes them promising candidates for use in the fabrication of photocatalytic filters that can remediate aqueous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in flow reactors.