Researchers target PFAS with lower-temperature destruction method
Removing harmful chemicals from contaminated water is only one step toward their elimination. Once collected in filtration materials, these chemicals must still be destroyed and detoxified to prevent contamination from moving into another waste stream.
Researchers at the University of Utah's John and Marcia Price College of Engineering have developed a novel method to break down persistent chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at relatively low temperatures. These chemicals, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," are difficult to destroy and can cause environmental and health issues due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds.
The study, led by Ling Zang, a distinguished professor in Materials Science & Engineering, introduces a defluorination process using nucleophiles to sever these bonds, releasing nearly all fluorine as fluoride. This method, which has been tested at temperatures of 110°C or below, could allow for the collection, concentration, and destruction of PFAS in contaminated water, rather than transferring the contamination to another waste stream.
The research remains at the laboratory stage, with future studies focusing on optimizing the method, evaluating its effectiveness, and assessing the safety of the remaining products.
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