Researchers at Rice University, working with international partners, have unveiled a an eco-friendly method to capture and destroy toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The new approach uses a layered double hydroxide (LDH) material made from copper and aluminum that can rapidly remove PFAS from contaminated water with unprecedented efficiency. Unlike conventional cleanup technologies such as activated carbon filters or ion-exchange resins, which only trap PFAS and create secondary waste, the LDH material not only captures these pollutants but also allows them to be thermally decomposed without producing harmful byproducts. This dual capability addresses one of the biggest challenges in PFAS remediation: safe destruction of the chemicals after removal.
The technology — developed under the leadership of postdoctoral fellow Youngkun Chung and professor Michael S. Wong — demonstrated the ability to regenerate and reuse the LDH material multiple times, completing at least six full cycles of capture and destruction.
Preliminary testing showed the system works effectively in river, tap and wastewater, suggesting its potential for municipal and industrial applications. The innovation is the result of collaboration between Rice University, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Pukyung National University, supported by a wide range of international research grants.
The researchers believe this breakthrough could mark a turning point in global water treatment efforts, offering a sustainable, scalable and efficient solution to PFAS contamination. Read more about it here.
