Document jyQdne2qRjg2o8ExJY9g1E0Yp
Ref. Ares(2024)6205129 - 02/09/2024
Alternatives to PFAS
Ian Cousins Stockholm University, Sweden
30th January 2024
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101036756.
1
Build a database of potential chemical and functional alternatives
Online database structured following the concept of functional substitution
https://zeropm.eu/alternativeassessment-database/
PFAS restriction is the main source of information
Complemented with ChemSec Marketplace, and other specific sources
2
Structure of the database
Database divided per use categories of PFAS
For each use category
List of applications of PFAS along with the technical function, end use function and service of PFAS for each application
List of PFAS substances identified as being used for each application
List of identified potential alternatives to PFAS for each application
3
Uses and functions of PFAS
18 use categories of PFAS included in the database
Waterproofing agent, heat stabilizer and corrosion inhibitor are the most common technical functions
PFAS often used for enhancing durability
Use categories Sub-uses
Active pharmaceutical
2
ingredients
Biocides
1
Building and construction
8
products
Consumer mixtures
6
Cosmetic products
5
Electronics and
3
semiconductors sector
Energy sector
12
Firefighting foams
1
Fluorinated gases
7
Food contact materials
3
Lubricants
3
Manufacture of
1
fluoropolymers
Medical products
13
Metal plating and metal
2
products manufacture
Petroleum and mining
2
Plant Protection Products
1
Textile, upholstery, leather,
6
apparel, and carpets
Transport sector
11
Grand Total
80
Applications
13
4
16
13 30
31
21 5 32 5 27 7 20
4
8 5
16
37 261
Technical End-use Services functions functions
1
24
21
1
4
4
14
18
30
6
9
9
9
12
6
17
24
41
18
20
25
1
1
3
8
14
30
4
4
10
11
13
19
1
1
3
13
17
29
8
10
14
10
13
15
1
5
2
9
13
19
18
29
61
37
110
201
4
Uses and functions of PFAS
PFAS deliver more than one function in many applications
12 different functions in one application
5
Alternatives to PFAS
Database includes 563 different potential alternatives across 15 use categories
98 alternatives in Marketplace
Unfortunately, suppliers of alternatives confidential in restriction proposal
No alternatives found for 50 applications
6
Nature of alternatives to PFAS
Only data on alternative substances and materials included
Similar analysis will be done for alternative products
E.g. FFFs
7
Are PFAS necessary for the green energy transition?
8
PFAS in Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs)
Persistent and mobile ionic liquids
Fluoropolymers (especially PVDF)
9
Alternatives to PFAS in LIBs
Industry claims fluoropolymers are needed, especially for the green transition
They say that there are no viable alternatives
And deny that the types of PFAS used cause any problems
10
Alternatives to PFAS in LIBs
Talked to people from industry and academia Focused on binder material and electrolyte
Binder
3 alternatives: water-soluble polymeric binders 3D nanocarbon binding structure binder-free technology
Unclear about large scale potential PVDF still dominating
Next generation technologies
Solid state batteries (e.g. fluoropolymers)
Electrolyte PFAS salts at low concentrations improve
performance LiPF6 sufficient as main salt Electrolyte composition depends on
performance requirements
11
Conclusions
Encouraging that so many alternatives to uses of PFAS already available and transitions have occurred or happening
Challenges remain: Unique properties of PFAS offering multiple functions Some applications with no available alternatives currently available Ensuring no regrettable substitutions (alternatives assessment) Resistance from some industries
Green energy transition being used as a "free pass" for derogations Denying the problems with PFAS Claims that no alternatives to PFAS when there clearly are Adaption to new processes and materials likely costly and time consuming
PFAS restriction is an opportunity for innovation and for Europe to be world leaders
12