Conversion of PTFE via reaction-diffusion in a low melting point Li-Ga liquid metal

Abstract

Liquid metals represent an emerging class of reaction media that enables the unique use of metals in their liquid state for chemical processing. Despite their promise, their application in polymer and plastic recycling has remained largely unexplored. In this work, we demonstrate that a gallium–lithium alloy with a near room-temperature melting point can effectively decompose polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a widely used but chemically inert fluoropolymer whose production continues to increase with ongoing industrial expansion and adoption in emerging technologies, posing significant recycling and sustainability challenges. The alloy provides a safe, on-demand route to harness the otherwise ..