Diamonds destroy ‘forever chemicals’

These diamond electrodes could be an economical way to clean water

Spotted: Commonly called ‘forever chemicals’, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) do not naturally break down in the environment and can cause serious health problems, like cancers and fertility issues. As a result, government agencies across the world are taking steps to regulate the presence of these compounds in drinking water and consumer products. 

To tackle this problem, Element Six – part of the De Beers group and a global leader in the development and production of synthetic diamonds for industrial use – has partnered with tech solutions leader Lummus Technology. The two organisations are combining their expertise to develop a solution that can destroy long- and short-chain PFAS using diamonds. This combines Element 6’s patented boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrochemical oxidation technology with Lummus’ patented electro-oxidation technology in a solution that integrates into existing water and wastewater treatment systems.

In Element 6’s approach, diamonds doped with the chemical element boron form electrodes that destroy stubborn or ‘recalcitrant’ pollutants by mineralising them using an electric current. Together, the two companies’ technologies completely destroy both long- and short-chain forever chemicals.

PFAS molecules are made up of carbon atoms bonded to fluorine atoms. The number of carbon atoms in this ‘backbone’ determines whether a molecule is categorised as a long-chain or short-chain PFAS. Destroying short-chain molecules requires high current densities, which are facilitated by using free-standing electrodes rather than metal electrodes plated with BDD.

Talking of the solution’s potential, Element Six CEO Siobhán Duffy explained: “There are so many aspects of our daily lives which will benefit from the pioneering technology delivered through this partnership (…) From improving our environment, to safeguarding our health, this diamond-based electrochemical solution will address the critical global problem of PFAS, ensuring a better future can be built for everyone.”

Written By: Lisa Magloff and Matt Hempstead