Impacts of the Degradation of 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene into Trifluoroacetic Acid from Its Application in Automobile Air Conditioners in China, the United States, and Europe

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05960
• Publication Date: 2018-01-30T21:05:14Z
• Authors: Ziyuan Wang; Yuhang Wang; Jianfeng Li; Stephan Henne; Boya Zhang; Jianxin Hu; Jianbo Zhang
• Keywords: Trifluoroacetic acid; Rainwater Harvesting; Deposition; Acid rain; Degradation

HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) was proposed as an automobile air conditioner (MAC) refrigerant worldwide. However, its atmospheric degradation product is the highly soluble and phytotoxic trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which persists in aquatic environments. We used a global three-dimensional chemical transport model to assess potential environmental effects resulting from complete future conversion of all MAC China, United States, Europe. The annual mean concentrations were 2.62, 2.20, 2.73 pptv, deposition rates TFA 0.96, 0.45, 0.52 kg km–2 yr–1, three regions. regional sources mainly came emissions within same region. North Pole region lower than average originated European emissions. A doubling China affected local depositions. rainwater strongly by precipitation rates. Africa Middle East, regions with scant rainfall, had extremely high concentrations. during individual rain events can exceed level considered be safe, indicating substantial risks use.