New Filtration Technology Could Revolutionize Removal of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’
Researchers develop a groundbreaking method to remove PFAS up to 100 times faster than existing systems
January 23, 2026 — A team of scientists at Rice University has unveiled a novel filtration technology with the potential to dramatically improve the removal of PFAS — hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances often dubbed “forever chemicals.” This innovation could significantly accelerate pollution control and remediation efforts by eliminating certain PFAS compounds up to 100 times faster than current systems allow.
PFAS are a large class of over 16,000 synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer goods for their resistance to water, stains, and heat. Their chemical stability means they persist indefinitely in the environment, accumulating in water sources and posing grave health risks including cancer, kidney and liver damage, immune system disorders, and birth defects.
A Breakthrough in PFAS Filtration
The Rice University researchers have detailed their findings in a recent peer-reviewed paper, describing a specially engineered layered double hydroxide (LDH) material composed of copper and aluminum. This material exhibits a remarkable ability to attract and capture long-chain PFAS molecules, the most common and pernicious water pollutants, at rates up to 100 times faster than conventional filtration methods such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange.
“This material marks a significant advancement for the research community focused on PFAS destruction,” said Michael Wong, director of Rice’s Water Institute and lead scientist on the project. “Its high uptake rate and compatibility with existing filtration infrastructure could be a gamechanger for practical applications.”
Moving Beyond Traditional Methods
Currently, PFAS removal technologies generally trap these chemicals but do not destroy them. The captured PFAS must then be stored as hazardous waste or treated at high temperatures. Thermal treatment often results in incomplete breakdown, producing toxic byproducts or merely fragmenting long PFAS chains into shorter, still harmful versions. There are no proven industrial-scale processes that fully and safely destroy PFAS.
Rice’s non-thermal approach absorbs and concentrates PFAS onto the LDH material without the need for high heat, thereby simplifying the destruction process. The LDH’s positive charge naturally attracts the negatively charged long-chain PFAS molecules, rapidly sequestering them from contaminated water.
Further refining the destruction method, the researchers discovered that gently heating the PFAS-laden material to 400–500°C breaks the notoriously robust carbon-fluorine bonds. This moderate temperature captures fluorine atoms, bonding them with calcium in a stable, non-toxic compound that can be safely disposed of in landfills.
Potential for Industrial-Scale Application
A major hurdle for new PFAS removal technologies is scalability and cost. Wong emphasized that the LDH material’s remarkable removal speed, durability, and ability to be integrated into existing water treatment systems — described as a “drop-in material” — offer promising pathways to overcoming these barriers.
Laura Orlando, a civil engineer and PFAS researcher at the Just Zero non-profit, highlighted the importance of such innovations but urged caution. “Total destruction of PFAS is incredibly complex in real-world scenarios,” she said. “Factors like operator safety, regulatory approvals, and diverse wastewater characteristics must be addressed, but having a tool that can operate efficiently at scale is crucial.”
Looking Ahead
While the technology currently works best for long-chain PFAS and certain smaller variants, the Rice team is optimistic about expanding its effectiveness across a broader spectrum of PFAS compounds, especially those exhibiting negative charges.
If successfully scaled, this advancement could vastly improve the ability of environmental agencies and industries to mitigate PFAS contamination in drinking water and wastewater — a growing public health concern globally.
PFAS: Persistent Environmental Pollutants
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic chemicals known for their resilience in the environment. Often called “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not degrade naturally and have been found in drinking water, soil, and even human bloodstreams worldwide. They pose significant risks, prompting regulatory agencies and researchers to seek innovative treatment solutions.
As awareness of PFAS contamination climbs, breakthroughs such as Rice University’s filtration technology provide a promising beacon in the long fight against these challenging pollutants.
This article was amended on January 26, 2026, to clarify the chemical terminology and correct earlier inaccuracies related to the filtration process.
For further reading:
- PFAS Health Risks and Environmental Impact
- Advances in Water Treatment Technologies
- Regulatory Challenges in PFAS Cleanup
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