Analytical Tools for Understanding Molecular Level Interactions of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) with Sorbent Materials

In response to the worldwide presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment, there has been a great focus on developing effective PFAS removal technology to address this class of contaminants that pose a threat to human and environmental health. Sorbent materials have been a significant focus in PFAS remediation technology; however, the molecular-level interactions between PFAS and sorbent materials are often overlooked or not explored, despite the important role they play in sorbent performance. The objective of this perspective is to showcase how different analytical techniques can be used to provide critical insight into the fundamental interactions between PFAS molecules and sorbent materials. Herein, we discuss the power of various experimental and computational techniques to unveil the fundamental chemistry driving PFAS-sorbent interactions, revealing critical information for the development of robust remediation materials.