Toward an Electrochemical Approach to On-Site Generation of Hydroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide for Scrubbing and Degrading Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigant.

Abstract

Currently, the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride (SO₂F₂) is vented to the atmosphere after its use to control termites in structures and for postharvest disinfestation of durable agricultural products. Concerns over its high global warming potential are fostering efforts to develop wet scrubbers to capture and degrade SO₂F₂ fumes. This perspective details ongoing pilot tests demonstrating >95% capture and ^–OOH-mediated hydrolysis of SO₂F₂ to SO₄^2– and F^– using alkaline (pH ~ 11.5) hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scrubbing solutions. An electrochemical process is being developed to produce H₂O₂ and ^–OH within the scrubbing solution, valorizing the waste salts as a free source of electrical conductivity.