New filtration technology could be game-changer in removal of Pfas forever chemicals'

"New filtration technology developed by Rice University may absorb some Pfas forever chemicals at 100 times the rate than previously possible, which could dramatically improve pollution control and speed remediations. Researchers also say they have also found a way to destroy Pfas, though both technologies face a steep challenge in being deployed on an industrial scale. A new peer-reviewed paper details a layered double hydroxide (LDH) material made from copper and"

"Destruction of the chemicals typically involves a thermal process that subjects them to high heat, but that leaves toxic byproducts, or essentially breaks larger Pfas into smaller Pfas. There is no technology that fully destroys Pfas on an industrial scale. Wong said Rice's non-thermal process works by soaking up and concentrating Pfas at high levels, which makes it possible to destroy them without high temperatures."

Rice University developed a layered double hydroxide (LDH) material using copper and aluminum that absorbs long-chain PFAS up to 100 times faster than common filtration systems. The LDH is positively charged and preferentially attracts long-chain PFAS, concentrating them for treatment. Current methods like granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis and ion exchange capture PFAS but require hazardous waste storage or destructive thermal processes that produce toxic byproducts or break larger PFAS into smaller PFAS. The Rice approach concentrates PFAS non‑thermally to enable destruction without high temperatures. Both absorption and destruction approaches face steep challenges for industrial-scale deployment.

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