Researchers at PFAS Ritsumeikan University in Japan have introduced a groundbreaking method to rapidly decompose toxic “forever chemicals” at room temperature. This technique managed to break down 100% of certain types of these pollutants overnight, recovering some useful components for reuse.
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PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals known for their exceptional stability and resistance to water and heat, thanks to their robust carbon-fluorine bonds. These properties make them ideal for applications such as non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-repellent fabrics.
However, the very stability that makes PFA useful also means they persist in the environment indefinitely, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Their accumulation in the human body has been linked to a range of health issues, including diabetes, fertility problems, cancers, immune system disruptions, and more.
The new method developed by Japanese scientists involves semiconductor nanocrystals of cadmium sulfide (CdS), some of which are doped with copper. This solution also contains water, a compound called triethanolamine (TEOA), and the PFAS chemicals to be treated. When exposed to LED light at a wavelength of 405 nm, the nanocrystals become excited, causing the PFAS molecules to adhere to their surfaces. Simultaneously, electrons are generated and excite the solution, which removes fluorine ions from the PFAS molecules, breaking the strong bonds.
In tests, this method successfully decomposed 100% of a specific PFAS compound, perfluorooctanesulfonate, within eight hours. Another compound, Nafion, was broken down by 81% in 24 hours. Remarkably, this process was achieved at a modest temperature of 38°C (100°F), significantly lower than the 400°C (752°F) typically required. Additionally, the technique recovers the fluorine ions, making them available for reuse in other industrial processes.
While similar techniques use catalysts to break down PFAS molecules, they often require UV light and higher temperatures. Other methods have included the use of supercritical water, magnetic particles, hydrogen, or boron nitride. Having multiple approaches for degrading PFAS may ultimately provide the most effective solution.
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