Exploring PFAS Alternatives in Metal Plating: A Case Study for Undergraduate Green Chemistry Education

Abstract

A new case study module was designed to explore green chemistry innovations to eliminate the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-based fume suppressants in the metal plating industry. The case study focuses on the real-life application of a greener alternative to PFAS-based fume suppressants by a local New York plating company and is suitable for integration into undergraduate general chemistry courses. The module consists of six lesson units designed to help students explore the interplay of chemical, environmental health, regulatory, and business considerations that dictate chemical processes and product design. The lesson units encompass an overview of the metal plating industry, the role of PFAS as fume suppressants, the chemistry and toxicity of PFAS as well as PFAS-associated health risks, environmental concerns and regulations, the 12 principles of green chemistry and their applications in the metal plating industry, the chemical, environmental, regulatory and business considerations for greener metal plating, alternatives to PFAS use in metal plating, and the implementation of a PFAS-free fume suppressant in a metal plating company. The case study module was implemented in general chemistry classes offered to undergraduate STEM and non-STEM majors at a minority-serving community college over two semesters. Survey results and student reflections demonstrated that the case study improved students’ awareness of green chemistry concepts and real-world applications of green chemistry principles for the metal plating industry, while also developing students’ skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication by integrating classroom exercises that linked theoretical concepts of chemistry to real-world problems.