Technology
We developed a new technology for the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, based on graphene-enabled electrochemical water treatment.
GRAPHEC employs an exclusive electrochemical process to eliminate PFAS by breaking down their highly stable C-F bonds. The contaminated water passes through our 3D nanostructured electrodes crafted from graphene. As PFAS particles come into contact and are adsorbed onto the intricate high surface area network of our electrodes, the flowing electrical current induces their breakdown. The highly reactive oxidant species generated during the electrochemical process further degrade the fluorinated compounds, resulting complete mineralization.
Electrolysis has shown promise to degrade PFAS, but in the presence of naturally occurring chloride ions, commercial electrodes generate toxic and persistent organochlorine by-products, e.g chlorate, perchlorate, which are extremely difficult to remove. The graphene sponge electrode that we have developed is the first electrode material capable of degrading PFAS, without oxidizing chloride. Thanks to this unique quality, our technology creates the opportunity to treat a whole series of water matrices ranging from drinking water to complex, PFAS-laden and brackish streams (e.g., landfill leachates, reverse osmosis (RO) concentrates, effluents of the semiconductor industry).
We aim to collaborate with treatment facilities, municipalities, landfills, and other organizations to address significant water challenges upstream, offering effective and scalable solutions. This commitment extends to safeguarding drinking water sources everywhere.
