Highly efficient, selective and reusable technology for long-term implementation of PFAS capture

Graphical Abstract

Figure: Some of the project findings. a SEM morphology of PFPE-IEX+. b PFAS removal efficiency in potable water: GAC (grey) vs. PFPE-IEX+ (red), sorbent concentration 5 mg/mL, PFAS 1–2 ppb, 24 h sorption. c PFAS removal efficiency in leachate: GAC (grey) vs. PFPE-IEX+ (red), sorbent concentration 5 mg/mL, PFAS 1–10 ppb, 24 h sorption. d, e PFAS remove performance using column (d) in leachate, PFAS initial concentration 1–10 ppb each; (e) in potable water, PFAS initial concentration 1–2 ppb each. 

Research Summary

Research completion date
2024

Research objectives
This research aimed to address the global issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, a persistent pollutant with significant health and environmental risks. A novel fluoropolymer sorbent, PFPE-IEX+, was developed to selectively and efficiently capture both long-chain and short-chain PFAS through fluorous affinity and ion-exchange mechanisms. The objective was to create a sustainable and regenerable material capable of continuous PFAS adsorption when incorporated into cartridge systems, bridging the gap between laboratory research and practical applications. 

Problems or questions you are trying to address 
The research sought to address critical limitations of current PFAS remediation technologies, such as low removal efficiency for short-chain PFAS, high operational costs, and limited reusability. Existing methods, including activated carbon and ion-exchange resins, often lack scalability and adaptability to complex water sources such as landfill leachate and industrial wastewater. This study aimed to overcome these challenges with a high-capacity, reusable sorbent capable of continuous operation in real-world scenarios. 

Benefits to the water sector
This research provides significant advancements for PFAS remediation by offering an efficient, scalable, and sustainable solution. PFPE-IEX+ achieved >98% removal efficiency for various PFAS, including short-chain compounds, and maintained >90% efficiency after multiple regeneration cycles. Its integration into cartridge systems demonstrated the feasibility of continuous PFAS adsorption without breakthrough, making it a practical choice for industrial and municipal water treatment. These advancements reduce operational costs and environmental impact, addressing critical challenges in water management. 

Findings to date
The study demonstrated rapid PFAS removal by PFPE-IEX+, achieving over 85% efficiency within 30 seconds and >99% after two hours. The material exhibited a high sorption capacity exceeding 500 mg/g and retained performance over five regeneration cycles. Continuous flow experiments confirmed its effectiveness in cartridge systems, enabling sustained PFAS removal without breakthrough, further validating its scalability and practical applicability.  

Papers arising from the work that have been published to date
The findings were published in Nature Communications (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52690-y), highlighting the innovative design and exceptional performance of PFPE-IEX+ in addressing PFAS contamination. 

Author

Student: Zhuojing Yang, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
Email: zhuojing.yang@student.uq.edu.au
Phone number: +61451697870 

Supervisor: Dr Cheng Zhang