Researchers at Monash University have introduced a new water filtration technology that could shift the fight against PFAS – chemicals known for their environmental persistence and health...
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust The big picture: Clean water is essential, but some pollutants are notoriously tricky to remove. Scientists have developed a breakthrough filtration process using 2D materials and sugar-based chemistry to trap persistent contaminants. Engineers can customize the technology to target specific molecules, offering a scalable solution for safer water worldwide. risks. Found in products like waterproof clothing and firefighting foams, PFAS are notoriously hard to break down. Traditional treatment methods often fail, especially against the smallest PFAS molecules, which slip through filters and accumulate in ecosystems and human bodies. The Monash team developed a graphene oxide membrane derived from graphite and enhanced it with beta-cyclodextrin, a ring-shaped sugar molecule. The pairing is intentional as beta-cyclodextrin can trap chemical compounds inside its ring-like structure, acting as a molecular…