Transformation behaviors of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electronic waste during thermal dismantling processes: Effect mechanisms of coexisting metals

Abstract

Thermal dismantling of e-waste containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is widely recognized as a major source of highly toxic dioxin-like byproducts, while metals which are abundant matrices in e-waste may critically influence their formation mechanisms. However, the specific roles of different coexisting metals in PBDE transformation during thermal dismantling remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the effects of four representative metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn) on the thermal transformation behavior of PBDEs were systematically investigated using 2,2’,4,4’-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) as a model compound. Controlled thermal experiments were conducted at 200–300 °C to..