Scientists have developed a new filtration technology capable of absorbing “perennial chemicals” at extremely high speeds, in a move that could significantly contribute to reducing environmental pollution.
The scientists explained that this new technology relies on a "double-layer hydroxide" (LDH) material made of copper and aluminum, which is characterized by its ability to absorb long-chain PFAS compounds with high efficiency, and at a speed up to one hundred times faster than traditional filtration systems.
PFAS compounds, known as perpetual chemicals because they do not decompose, have been used since the 1950s in numerous consumer and commercial applications due to their ability to repel water and oil, resist heat, and act as surfactants. However, these same properties have made them among the most persistent and dangerous environmental pollutants.
There are approximately 15,000 types of PFAS compounds, all of which are similar in that they contain strong bonds between carbon and fluorine, which makes them resistant to degradation and capable of accumulating in human bodies and the environment for decades, which has linked them to several health disorders, including liver and thyroid diseases and various types of cancer.
Currently, water purification systems rely on technologies such as granular activated carbon and ion exchange to remove these compounds; however, these methods require complex treatment of the resulting waste and may lead to the production of toxic byproducts.
The new technology relies on absorbing and concentrating large quantities of PFAS compounds, allowing them to be destroyed later without the need for high temperatures, according to Michael Wong, director of the Water Institute at Rice University, who participated in developing this technology.
Wong explained that the new material was modified by replacing some aluminum atoms with copper atoms, which gave it a positive charge that helps it attract and absorb negatively charged compounds at a high speed.
He said: "This material absorbs PFAS compounds about one hundred times faster than currently available materials."
The research team noted that heating the material after use to temperatures between 400 and 500 degrees Celsius breaks down the strong chemical bonds, resulting in a safe compound that can be disposed of.
Although PFAS removal technologies still face challenges in industrial expansion, scientists emphasize that LDH is reusable and can be integrated with existing infrastructure, reducing costs and supporting opportunities for widespread application.
