February 2024 Vacuum Deposition Blog
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February 19, 2024
Electron beams can be used to eradicate forever chemicals in water
Researchers recently discovered that it is possible to purify water contaminated with forever chemicals using electron beams. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly referred to as forever chemicals because they are incredibly difficult to decompose or eradicate. The chemicals’ persistence leads to the accumulation of PFAS in the body and in the environment. There are thousands of chemicals that can be classified as PFAS and most of these chemicals have been around since the 1950s. Their resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water make them a popular ingredient in all sorts of products. For example, PFAS are commonly used to make fluoropolymer coatings for nonstick cookware and other items. They are also used in fast-food packaging and other consumer goods such as popcorn bags, paint, cosmetics, and water-resistant clothing. It comes as no surprise that PFAS are also found in water. Fortunately, a new PFAS destroying technique is showing great promise. Researchers at the US Department of Energy in a partnership with 3M have successfully shown that electron beams can destroy two of the most common PFAS found in water, PFOA and PFOS. Apparently, electron beams could be used in pump and treat methods and they could also be used in manufacturing facilities to treat PFAS contaminated waste streams before they leave the facility. However, the technology is not currently ready to be deployed on a wide scale and research continues. Learn more about this topic here.