Thermal decomposition of PFOA: Influence of reactor and reaction conditions on product formation

•PFOA primarily decomposes into C7F14, CO2 and HF between 400 and 600 °C.•Alumina was found to inhibit the formation of lactone.•Decomposition at >600 °C produces CO and short chained fluorocarbons.•Alumina chips increased CO2 over CO, confirming surface’s influence.•PFOA was not detected at temperatures above 750 °C.