DOE OSTI2024
Refrigerants have evolved through the years to reduce their global warming potential while providing sufficient cooling in refrigeration systems. Replacements for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), which contain reactive double bonds that decrease the atmospheric lifetime of fluorinated compounds. However, the transformation of unsaturated fluorinated compounds in the atmosphere could generate persistent pollutants, particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) which is the simplest Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). Understanding the transformation of refrigerants is critical in assessing their contribution to atmospheric levels of TFA and their impact on watersheds and human health. This article will present the reactivity of the refrigerants, atmospheric oxidation source, and sink processes of fluorinated refrigerants under daytime conditions, particularly the variability of TFA from refrigerants. Moreover, the discussion will suggest experimental procedures that can quantify the low concentration (~parts per trillion) of TFA generated from the transformation of HFOs. New state-of-the-art techniques such as chemical ionization mass spectrometers (HR-CIMS) will be assessed in providing high temporal resolution (minutes to hourly) to fully capture the atmospheric sources and variability of TFA. Likewise, local, regional, and global concentrations of TFA accounted from the oxidation of refrigerants will be examined. This will include data from both experimental procedures and simulation models. Participation of TFA in critical atmospheric processes such as new particle formation will also be included in this study. Lastly, overall knowledge gaps related to the oxidation products and their dispersion in the environment will be summarized to guide future research needs.