have developed a novel method to break down PFOS using piezocatalysis.<\/a><\/p>\nThe process involves using nanomaterials that are piezoelectric, meaning they generate an electrical charge when mechanically deformed.<\/p>\n
By creating this electrical charge, the nanoparticles initiate a chain reaction that degrades the PFOS molecules.<\/p>\n
Working with analytical specialists, the team demonstrated that their method was able to break down 90.5% of PFOS in a controlled laboratory setting.<\/p>\n
However, the researchers note that they were working with a higher concentration of PFOS than is typically found in the environment.<\/p>\n
Advantages over existing methods<\/h3>\n This new piezocatalysis method has several advantages over traditional techniques. One significant benefit is that it can utilise different sources of mechanical energy, making it more versatile.<\/p>\n
For example, the turbulence in wastewater treatment plants could be harnessed to activate the piezoelectric nanoparticles and degrade PFAS chemicals.<\/p>\n
Compared to the energy-intensive thermal decomposition and the limited light penetration of photocatalysis, piezocatalysis offers a more practical and energy-efficient alternative.<\/p>\n
Additionally, unlike absorption methods, piezocatalysis doesn’t just transfer the problem from water to another medium but directly breaks down the toxic chemicals.<\/p>\n
A step forward in the fight against PFAS<\/h3>\n While the laboratory results are promising, scaling up this technology to treat large volumes of water remains a significant challenge.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the researchers are optimistic about the potential for piezocatalysis to be applied in various settings, from industrial wastewater treatment plants to agricultural water systems.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the ETH Zurich team believes their method could be adapted to degrade other types of PFAS and micropollutants, broadening its potential impact.<\/p>\n
However, as Veciana points out, technological advancements alone won’t solve the PFAS problem: “PFAS is a global problem that should be tackled first and foremost through policy change and more transparency.”<\/p>\n
The development of piezocatalysis marks an exciting step forward in the fight against PFAS chemicals.<\/p>\n
While there is still work to be done to bring this technology to industrial and environmental applications, the method offers a more efficient and potentially scalable solution to a pressing global issue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ETH Zurich researchers have developed a new method for degrading a particularly harmful subgroup of PFAS chemicals known as PFOS.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":51192,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24433],"tags":[3365],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
ETH Zurich pioneer new method to combat PFAS chemicals<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n