Global emissions of perfluorocyclobutane (PFC-318, <i>c</i>-C<sub>4</sub>F<sub>8</sub>) resulting from the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 (HCFC-22) feedstock to produce polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and related fluorochemicals

Abstract. Emissions of the potent greenhouse gas perfluorocyclobutane (c-C4F8, PFC-318, octafluorocyclobutane) into global atmosphere inferred from atmospheric measurements have been increasing sharply since early 2000s. We find that these emissions are highly correlated with production hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 (HCFC-22, CHClF2) for feedstock (FS) uses, because almost all HCFC-22 FS is pyrolyzed to produce (poly)tetrafluoroethylene ((P)TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP), a process in which c-C4F8 known by-product, causing significant fraction emissions. emission factor ?0.003 kg per kilogram pyrolyzed. Mitigation emissions, e.g., through optimization, abatement, or different manufacturing processes, such as refined methods electrochemical fluorination waste recycling, could reduce climate impact this industry. While it has shown developing countries dominate more and/or detailed statistics needed quantify at country facility levels.