There may finally be a cheaper, greener way to break down the stubborn “forever chemicals” polluting our environment.
Robert F. Service reports for Science.
In short:
- Scientists have developed light-activated catalysts that can break apart PFAS compounds at low temperatures and ambient pressures, offering a less energy-intensive alternative to traditional methods.
- These compounds, used in products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, are notoriously persistent, contaminating water, air and even human blood, while being linked to severe health problems.
- The catalysts, described in two new studies published in Nature, either destroy PFAS or convert them into safer materials, but they still require costly chemical additives and further refinement to be widely usable.
Key quote:
“These studies are likely to advance the field and eventually lead to technology that degrades PFAS under mild condition.”
— Frank Leibfarth, chemist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Why this matters:
PFAS compounds have seeped into nearly every corner of the planet, posing serious health risks and defying conventional cleanup methods. While promising, this procedure depends on pricey chemical additives, and scaling up for real-world use will take time. Read more: PFAS in Pennsylvania: Impacts and efforts to clean up the chemicals.
