Research and Innovation for the sustainable use of water
The Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) is leading the project Electrochemical destruction of polymeric per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using functionalized graphene sponge electrodes (ElectroPoly), an innovative initiative to tackle the presence of polymeric PFAS in the environment. The project is led by Nick Duinslaeger and Jelena Radjenovic as Principal Investigators (PIs) and has received funding of €150,000 through the AGAUR Producte call.
The electronics manufacturing industry is a significant yet under-researched source of both known and unknown per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are used in the production of photoresistive and antireflective coatings in semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs). While other sectors, such as the food packaging industry, are gradually phasing out non-essential PFAS use, the semiconductor industry remains reliant on these substances and will not be able to discontinue their use in the near future.
The ElectroPoly project proposes the use of functionalized graphene sponge electrodes to electro-sorb and electro-degrade PFAS originating from the semiconductor industry. This pioneering solution will, for the first time, demonstrate the electro-degradation of fluoropolymers at both lab and pre-pilot scales.
This advancement represents a fundamental step towards the commercialization of new treatment technologies for these contaminants, as no existing studies have addressed fluoropolymer treatment technologies. With ElectroPoly, the aim is to establish a scientific and technological foundation to develop effective strategies for their elimination.
The success of the ElectroPoly project could mark a turning point in the management of polymeric PFAS and pave the way for broader adoption of this technology in the industrial sector. Additionally, it reinforces ICRA’s commitment to applied research and knowledge transfer to the productive sector, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for water quality and environmental protection.
We will continue to provide updates on the progress and results of this project in the coming months.
