In the face of global pollution challenges, scientists at the University of Rochester have developed an innovative approach to tackle the pervasive issue of "forever chemicals" contaminating various products, from clothing to firefighting foams.

Led by Astrid Müller, an assistant professor of chemical engineering, the team's research focuses on advanced electrochemical methods to address pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), detailed in a recent Journal of Catalysis study. These substances, particularly Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), previously used in stain-resistant products, pose significant health risks and persist in the environment, affecting water supplies.

Müller's team, including materials science PhD students, utilised a unique synthesis technique involving pulsed lasers in liquids to create nanocatalysts capable of targeting PFOS. Müller explains, "Using pulsed laser in liquid synthesis, we can control the surface chemistry of these catalysts in ways you cannot do in traditional wet chemistry methods." This innovative approach allows precise control over nanoparticle size, crucial for the catalyst's effectiveness.

The researchers then attached these nanoparticles to hydrophilic carbon paper, offering a cost-effective substrate with high surface area. They achieved complete defluorination of PFOS using concentrated lithium hydroxide, marking a significant advancement in pollution remediation. Müller highlights their method's potential for scalability and cost efficiency, noting it could be a viable alternative to current, more expensive treatments that require precious metals.

The team's future goals include exploring the reasons behind lithium hydroxide's effectiveness and finding more affordable materials to further reduce costs. Müller is also interested in applying this method to other PFAS chemicals, which are still in use despite their health implications.

Müller emphasises the importance of PFAS in various applications, including green technologies essential for reducing carbon emissions. She advocates for a balanced approach to managing PFAS use, "I would argue that in the end, a lot of decarbonisation efforts—from geothermal heat pumps to efficient refrigeration to solar cells—depend on the availability of PFAS." She believes in using PFAS sustainably through electrocatalytic solutions that safely break down harmful bonds without environmental harm.

Although commercialisation is some distance away, Müller has patented the technology with support from URVentures, envisioning its application in wastewater treatment and site remediation by companies formerly producing PFAS chemicals. She also highlights the method's relevance to social justice, as pollution disproportionately affects lower-income areas globally. With its small footprint and potential for solar power integration, the electrocatalytic approach offers a distributed solution to this pressing issue.

This research presents a promising direction in the fight against PFAS pollution, combining scientific innovation with a commitment to environmental sustainability and equity.

COMPANIES TO WATCH:

Iontra Inc, Accelergy, TeraPore Technologies, Inc

Author:

Arnold Kristoff

Content Producer and Writer

Nano Magazine | The Breakthrough 

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