TriFluorium

Fluoropolymers are critical to advancing semiconductor technology, hydrogen production, and electric vehicles. However, their disposal remains a challenge while recycling options are extremely limited. At the same time inorganic fluorides such as fluorspar are important industrial feedstock. Europe depends heavily on fluorspar importation with only 1% being obtained by recycling. At the TriFluorium project, we’re developing a breakthrough tribolysis recycling technology with the aim to enable safe and efficient conversion of organofluorides to industrially relevant inorganic fluoride, regardless of their structural features or physical state. By leveraging mechanical energy to trigger chemical reactions, our innovative process transforms stable fluoropolymers into safe, reusable materials. We’re also developing a devoted cutting-edge triboreactor prototype for lab-scale validation studies, paving the way for industrial adoption and a more sustainable, circular economy for fluoropolymers. Supporting toxicological and LCA assessments will be carried out to comprehensively evaluate tribolysis recycling process and Tribo-Reactor performance from all relevant perspectives. The foundation of tribolysis recycling for organofluorides answers urgent technological needs and contributes to current environmental, economic, and social goals. https://trifluorium.eu/ https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101187492