Researchers Unveil Eco-Friendly Method to Capture and Destroy PFAS

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