Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)–also known as “forever chemicals”– are a large group of synthetic chemicals that are abundant in the environment. While researchers have not identified the full extent of PFAS’s effects on the environment and human health, some studies have associated PFAS exposure with a range of adverse health outcomes in humans, including cancer, birth defects, infertility, immune system dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. First commercially introduced in the 1940s due to their water-, stain-, and grease-resistant properties, they are commonly found in clothing, non-stick cookware, and other everyday household items. Because they persist for long periods in the environment, PFAS have been found in drinking water across the country. 

Now, an international team of scientists from Rice University has developed a technology to destroy these notoriously long-lasting chemicals from water. According to an announcement from the Rice Water Institute, a Rice University research center specializing in clean water technologies, the researchers innovated a sustainable material capable of capturing and eliminating the “forever chemicals” in water. The findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials. 

At the heart of this technology is a novel formulation based on a layered double hydroxide (LDH) composed of copper and aluminum. While tinkering with these materials, the study’s lead author, Youngkun Chung, found that a nitrate-containing version could capture PFAS at record-breaking speed: 

“To my astonishment, this LDH compound captured PFAS more than 1,000 times better than other materials,” Chung said. “It also worked incredibly fast, removing large amounts of PFAS within minutes, about 100 times faster than commercial carbon filters.”

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Given its suitability for large-scale municipal and industrial water treatment, the new filtration technique has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of PFAS-contaminated water. Moreover, the filter produces no toxic by-products, making it the first full-circle system for PFAS removal.

The layered compound has successfully been used to treat river water, tap water, and wastewater in pilot studies. The system may eventually have applications in drinking water and wastewater treatment. 

“Current methods for PFAS removal are too slow, inefficient and create secondary waste,” said Michael S. Wong, a chemical and biomolecular engineering professor at Rice who oversaw the study. “Our new approach offers a sustainable and highly effective alternative.”

As part of its broader strategy to address “forever chemicals,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS. Game-changing technologies, such as those spearheaded by researchers at Rice University, will be critical to helping meet these standards. 

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.