The persistent presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals,’ poses a significant environmental challenge due to their pervasive distribution and association with negative health impacts. Researchers at Rice University in Texas have developed a promising method to decompose these stubborn chemicals using extreme temperatures surpassing 3,000 degrees Celsius or 5,432 degrees Fahrenheit.
This innovative technique not only effectively breaks down PFAS but also transforms granular activated carbon (GAC)—the substance that captures PFAS—into graphene. As a result, the PFAS are converted into inorganic fluoride salts, enabling safer removal from water. The study, published in Nature Water, highlights the potential to revolutionize the treatment of these hazardous substances by turning waste into a valuable resource.
GAC has traditionally served as a means to extract PFAS from water, though it subsequently becomes a hazardous material itself. The Rice University team, through a process called flash joule heating (FJH), rapidly heats the material, facilitating its upcycling and reducing environmental impact. This breakthrough method not only diminishes the environmental footprint but also recoups some cleanup costs. The researchers demonstrated that their method successfully removed 99.98 percent of perfluorooctanoic acid, a prevalent PFAS, from GAC.
Through computer modeling and laboratory experimentation, the team discovered that the intense heat disrupts the molecular bonds within PFAS, aided by sodium and calcium salts serving as mineralizing agents. This dual-purpose approach, which both destroys hazardous chemicals and transforms waste into a resource, offers a scalable and cost-effective solution to a pressing environmental concern.
PFAS have proliferated due to their utility in manufacturing heat, water, and oil-resistant materials, with over 9,000 types currently in existence. Safely and expediently removing these chemicals from the environment presents a more practical solution than eliminating their use entirely, considering their essential role in modern products. As awareness of their potential toxicity to humans, wildlife, and ecosystems increases, this newfound method offers hope for improving water quality and safeguarding public health globally.