Breakthrough carbon-based technology offers new routes for PFAS removal and on-site detection.
An international group of researchers has unveiled a new solar-powered catalyst designed to break down PFAS, a persistent industrial chemical also known as the “forever chemicals.”
The research team, led by the University of Bath, says their prototype material could ultimately support more practical approaches to PFAS removal and environmental monitoring.
The collaboration involved scientists from the University of São Paulo, the University of Edinburgh and Swansea University.
The project was led by Professor Frank Marken from the University of Bath’s Department of Chemistry and Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change.
The research results, published in RSC Advances, detail how carbon-based photocatalysts can use light energy to break down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Why PFAS are so difficult to remove
PFAS are valued for their water and stain resistance and are commonly used in nonstick cookware, waterproof textiles, cosmetics, firefighting foam, and more.
However, their chemical stability also means that they persist in soils, water systems, and organisms.
Studies have detected PFAS in drinking water, wildlife, and human blood samples around the world. Although the health effects are still being investigated, some studies link long-term exposure to increased cancer risk and other negative effects.
The difficulty of removing these compounds has fueled global efforts to develop scalable PFAS removal technologies.
Photocatalyst that decomposes PFAS
The research team developed a carbon nitride-based photocatalyst combined with the rigid microporous polymer PIM-1.
The polymer component helps concentrate the PFAS molecules on the surface of the catalyst, increasing the efficiency of the degradation process.
When exposed to light, the catalyst causes a chemical reaction that breaks down PFAS into simpler substances such as carbon dioxide and fluoride.
Importantly, this process operates effectively at neutral pH levels, which more closely resemble natural conditions in rivers and groundwater.
Potential for portable PFAS detection
Beyond PFAS removal, the researchers suggest the same system could support new detection tools.
When PFAS decompose, fluoride ions are released. Measuring these ions can provide a relatively simple way to indicate contamination levels.
Current PFAS analysis typically requires sophisticated laboratory equipment and expertise, limiting testing capacity and increasing costs.
Portable sensors based on this photocatalytic approach enable environmental monitoring outside of traditional laboratory settings and have the potential to improve response times in contaminated areas.
From prototype to practical application
Currently, this technology remains in the laboratory prototype stage. Further development is required to determine whether the catalyst can be produced at scale and integrated into water treatment systems and field-based sensors.
Scaling up will also require testing across a variety of PFAS compounds, as the chemical group includes thousands of variations with different properties.
Nevertheless, this study adds to a growing body of research focused on breaking the strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make PFAS so persistent.
As regulatory oversight increases around the world, advances that help degrade PFAS more efficiently could play a key role in future environmental remediation strategies.
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