Sunlight-Powered Catalyst Successfully Breaks Down Toxic "Forever Chemicals" in Water and Soil

University of Bath researchers develop a new sunlight-powered catalyst to break down toxic PFAS into harmless CO2 and fluoride.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 3:31 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Interesting Engineering

Innovative Approach to PFAS Remediation

An international research team has created a sunlight-driven catalyst capable of destroying "forever chemicals," which are notoriously resistant to natural degradation. These PFAS chemicals are ubiquitous in consumer goods such as waterproof fabrics, non-stick cookware, and cosmetics, leading to their accumulation in the environment and the human body. While their long-term health effects are still being studied, they have been linked to health concerns, including an increased risk of cancer.

Technical Breakthrough: The PIM-1 Polymer

The newly developed system uses a carbon-based photocatalyst enhanced by a rigid microporous polymer known as PIM-1.

Mechanism: The polymer traps PFAS molecules in close proximity to the catalyst's surface.

Energy Source: Once trapped, light energy from the sun drives a chemical reaction that breaks the PFAS down.