3D printed shapes can remove forever chemicals from water

Ceramic structures could remove dangerous chemicals from water supplies: Researchers from the UK’s University of Bath have found a way to use 3D printed ceramic lattices to remove harmful “forever chemicals” — or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — from water supplies, according to a study (pdf). The ceramics act like magnets for the PFAS and can remove up to 75% within three hours.

How it works: Ceramic indium oxide ink is put through a 3D printer to create 4 cm large shapes which are then dropped into the water where the indium oxide attracts and binds to PFAS. Since the production is simple, the process is expected to be easily scalable. These lattices are compatible with existing water treatment facilities found in the UK.

What’s the danger? PFAS is linked to significant health problems — including reproductive issues, developmental disorders, heart disease, and higher risk of diabetes. They can be found in every-day items such as non-stick pans, paint, and fabrics. They are also essential for clean energy technology which lacks end-of-life standards for waste that mainly ends up in municipal dumps. The greenhouse gas-intensive substances take centuries or even thousands of years to break down.

These aren’t the only researchers working on tackling PFAS: A team of researchers from the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory demonstrated that high-energy electron beams can break down forever chemicals in water. The researchers used an electron beam accelerator at Fermilab to irradiate water samples containing two of the most problematic PFAS compounds. The electron beam was able to break the strong bonds in the PFAS molecules, effectively eliminating them without releasing harmful byproducts.