New Sunlight-Activated Catalyst Breaks Down Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ into Harmless Fluoride

University of Bath scientists create a catalyst that uses sunlight to break down PFAS into fluoride and CO2. Explore this breakthrough in removing forever chemicals.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 6:59 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from University of Bath

Targeting the Persistence of PFAS

Polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," have become a global environmental crisis due to their extreme chemical stability. Used in everything from non-stick cookware to water-repellent clothing and cosmetics, these carbon-fluorine bonds do not degrade naturally. As a result, they accumulate in water systems, the food chain, and the human body, where they have been linked to increased cancer risks and other long-term health issues. A new study published in RSC Advances introduces a specialized catalyst that uses solar energy to dismantle these robust molecules, providing a sustainable solution to a previously permanent problem.

The Mechanics of Solar Degradation

The research team, which included collaborators from Brazil, Scotland, and Wales, developed a photocatalyst composed of carbon nitrite combined with a rigid microporous polymer known as PIM-1. The polymer acts as a binding agent, capturing PFAS molecules and holding them against the catalyst surface. When exposed to sunlight, the catalyst triggers a chemical reaction that severs the carbon-fluorine bonds. This process effectively converts the toxic chemicals into $CO_2$ and fluoride—a relatively harmless substance commonly found in toothpaste—neutralizing the threat without requiring high-energy thermal treatments.

Optimizing for Natural Environments

A significant breakthrough in this study is the catalyst's effectiveness at a neutral pH. Previous chemical methods for breaking down PFAS often required highly acidic or alkaline conditions, which are impractical for treating natural water sources or soil. Dr. Fernanda C. O. L. Martins, the study’s first author, noted that the combination of the carbon-based catalyst and the PIM-1 polymer ensures the breakdown remains efficient in the neutral pH levels typically found in the environment. This characteristic makes the technology a viable candidate for "in-the-field" water treatment plants.