Exploring the heterogeneous uptake of gas-phase PFCAs to the condensed phase

Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) are a class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are completely fluorinated, accompanied by a carboxylic head functional group. With varying toxic effects on animals, plants, and humans, it has become imperative to understand the fate of these compounds in the atmosphere. The most important aspect in helping define a chemical’s environmental fate is its physicochemical properties and partition tendencies. Partitioning of a gas phase chemical from air to water begins with the heterogeneous uptake of the gas-phase molecule onto the liquid’s surface. Heterogeneous reactions are important in identifying sinks and the fate of atmospheric gas-phase chemicals. Currently there exists no experimental gas-phase uptake data for gas-phase PFCAs onto liquid surfaces which limits our understanding on their fate, movement, and sinks in the atmosphere. This work will aim to fill in gaps of knowledge for the heterogeneous uptake of a short chain PFCA, TFA, onto various liquid surfaces.