Development of an electrochemical system for capturing and degrading sulfuryl fluoride fumigation emissions

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) is the only fumigant registered in the United States for controlling termites within dwellings and for postharvest fumigation of durable agricultural products (e.g., grain, nuts). SO2F2 is critical for food security, preventing the spread of pests in crop exports. Currently, SO2F2 fumes are vented to the atmosphere after use. With a global warming potential ~5000-fold higher than CO2, mounting pressure from the European Union and regulatory authorities to curtail these emissions is threatening agricultural exports. This project would develop a pilot-scale system to capture and degrade SO2F2 fumes used for fumigation of structures or agricultural products, preventing atmospheric release. The system will use electrochemistry for the on-site production of the reagents needed to degrade SO2F2. By reducing the cost of reagents and enhancing the safety of fumigation workers, this electrochemical system will increase the feasibility of implementing SO2F2 capture and destruction systems.