New Photocatalyst Developed to Destroy Persistent 'Forever Chemicals' (PFAS)
An international team led by Bath University has developed a prototype photocatalyst capable of breaking down persistent ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS). This carbon-based catalyst, combined with a polymer, utilizes light to efficiently degrade these stable chemicals into carbon dioxide and fluoride, even at neutral pH. The technology could also function as a portable sensor for PFAS, addressing their environmental accumulation and the challenges of current detection methods. The team is now seeking industrial partners for scale-up and optimization.
An international research team, spearheaded by Bath University and involving collaborators from Brazil, Edinburgh, and Swansea, has unveiled a novel photocatalyst designed to combat the pervasive issue of ‘forever chemicals,’ or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These highly stable, water-repellent chemicals, prevalent in products ranging from non-stick saucepans to make-up, do not naturally degrade and accumulate in the environment and human body. Accumulation of PFAS has been linked to potential health risks, including an increased risk of cancer, highlighting the urgency for effective removal and detection methods.The developed prototype catalyst is composed of carbon nitrite combined with a rigid microporous polymer, PIM-1. This innovative material harnesses light energy to efficiently break down PFAS into simpler, less harmful compounds such as carbon dioxide and fluoride. A significant advantage noted by the researchers, including first author Dr. Fernanda C. O. L. Martins, is the catalyst's ability to operate effectively at neutral pH, making it particularly suitable for natural environmental conditions.Beyond its primary function of chemical degradation, the team, led by Professor Frank Marken, envisions the technology also serving as a simple, portable sensor. By detecting the fluoride released during breakdown, it could offer an accessible method for monitoring PFAS levels, circumventing the need for expensive, specialist lab equipment currently required. The technology is presently at the prototype stage, and the research team is actively seeking industrial partners to facilitate the scale-up and optimization necessary for real-world application, marking a significant step towards mitigating the impact of these persistent pollutants.
