Carbon-based sunlight catalyst breaks down toxic forever chemicals

Researchers led by the University of Bath have developed a novel carbon-based photocatalyst that uses sunlight to break down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," into less harmful byproducts like carbon dioxide and fluoride. PFAS are widely used in consumer and industrial products due to their chemical stability, but this same property makes them persistent environmental pollutants that accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms, posing potential health risks including cancer. The new catalyst combines carbon nitride with a microporous polymer (PIM-1) that traps PFAS molecules near the catalyst surface, enabling efficient degradation under neutral pH conditions typical of natural waters. This sunlight-driven approach offers an energy-efficient alternative to existing methods that often require high temperatures or harsh chemicals. Although still at the prototype stage, the technology shows promise not only for PFAS remediation but also for detection. Because fluoride ions are released during PFAS breakdown, the system could be adapted into a portable sensor to measure PF