3D-Printed Ceramic Monoliths Can Purify Water By Removing ‘Forever Chemicals’

Worldwide, 2.2 billion people do not have access to a safe drinking water supply and a further 3.5 billion people do not have adequate sanitation facilities. This data, published in the latest United Nations World Water Development Report, confirms the need for concrete action to ensure healthy living conditions and access to water. And one of the biggest challenges in the water crisis is the problem of pollution. Litter, plastic in the oceans, run-off of chemicals and industrial waste into groundwater and many other human activities are affecting the quality of our water supply. Numerous companies are now specializing in proposing solutions using innovative technologies. One of the latest examples uses 3D-printed ceramic monoliths to purify water from so-called forever chemicals.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are one of the most commonly used families of chemicals in industry today. PFAS are also known as forever chemicals because they take up to 1000 years to decompose. These substances are used in various consumer products because they are resistant to water, grease and fire. Examples of products containing these substances are Teflon pans, cleaning agents, grease-resistant paper, textiles and others. Despite their usefulness, PFAS are harmful to health. Studies have shown that PFAS cause thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, developmental and cardiovascular problems and increase the risk of cancer and diabetes.

Photo Credits: Chemical Engineering Journal

But this may no longer be an issue. A team from the University of Bath in England has found a solution that removes at least 75% of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of these PFAS, from water. They invented tendril-shaped monoliths that are 3D printed with ceramic. The results of this study are promising and the developers see their product as an effective and scalable new tool for removing chemicals from water.