How to Remove PFAS Permanently from the Environment

Orin Foster Distinguished Lecture Series, Environment and Sustainability, University at Buffalo. Public talk and P.E. ContEd Credits Safe water requires moving beyond physical displacement to catalytic destruction of PFAS and other persistent contaminants under real-water conditions. Catalysis chemistry provides a powerful means to upgrade impacted water to a quality level that matches its intended use, if materials can be designed for the operational constraints of ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and variable water quality. I will describe recent developments stemming from our discovery of room-temperature PFAS-degrading capabilities of boron nitride (BN) under ultraviolet light irradiation. I will explain how BN shows excellent photocatalytic activity due to the presence of structural defects allowing light absorption in the UV-C range, and to the hydrophobic nature of its surface. Catalytic destruction gives hope that PFAS can be permanently removed without resorting to high-temperature incineration. This lecture has been approved for one hour of continuing education credits for registered Professional Engineers and Professional Geologists. In lieu of a fee, professionals are asked to have a small informational table representing their firm for an informal tabling event for our students immediately before and after the talk. You can register HERE.