Cation-Doped Nanocarbons for Enhanced Perfluoroalkyl Substance Removal: Exotic Bottom-Up Solution Plasma Synthesis and Characterization

Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are pervasive organic contaminants that are widespread in aquatic environments, posing significant health risks to humans and wildlife. Due to their persistent nature, urgent removal is necessary. Conventional adsorbents are inefficient at removing PFOS and PFOA, highlighting the need for alternative materials. Herein, we present a synthetic method for quaternary ammonium cation-doped carbon nanoparticles (QACNs) using a solution plasma process for the efficient removal of PFOS and PFOA. QACN is formed simultaneously through a one-step discharge of nonequilibrium plasma at the interface of benzene and pyridinium chloride. The resulting material exhibited a high surface electrical charge and enhanced hydrophilicity as well as an amorphous structure of a nonporous nature, involving nanoparticles with an undefined shape. The obtained adsorbent demonstrated high adsorption efficiency and stability, adsorbing 998.45 and 889.37 mg g