Efficient Removal and Recovery of Perfluorinated Compounds from Water by Surface-tethered β-Cyclodextrins on Polystyrene Particles

To efficiently remove and recover perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) such as perfiuorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) from water, surface-tethered beta-cyclodextrins (CDs) on the surface of polystyrene (PS) particles (PS-beta-CDs) were prepared. The PS-beta-CDs with a 36% beta-CD content showed high adsorption capability against these PFCs from water via inclusion complex formation. The perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) adsorbed onto PS-beta-CDs were easily and quantitatively recovered by washing with acetone.