New Photocatalytic System Breaks Down PFAS Using Visible Light

Researchers have developed a light-based method to degrade stubborn 'forever chemicals' at room temperature, offering a sustainable solution to a persistent environmental problem.

Scientists at Colorado State University have created a photocatalytic system using LED lights to break carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS, which are notoriously difficult to decompose.
The method, developed with interdisciplinary collaboration, operates at room temperature, making it more sustainable than traditional high-temperature processes.
PFAS, used in various industries for their water-resistant properties, are linked to health risks such as cancer and reproductive issues due to their persistence in the environment.
The breakthrough could extend beyond PFAS, potentially aiding in the degradation of other hard-to-recycle materials like plastics.
Further research is needed to adapt this technology for practical use in contaminated water and soil environments.