New material removes forever chemicals from water in seconds

Researchers have developed a novel nitrate-intercalated layered double hydroxide material capable of removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), specifically perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), from water in seconds. PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are highly persistent environmental contaminants found in many consumer products and industrial applications, leading to widespread contamination of water sources and posing significant health risks. Existing treatments like activated carbon are slow, have limited capacity, and generate secondary waste, prompting the need for faster, scalable, and more efficient removal technologies. The newly engineered CuAl layered double hydroxide material exhibits a high capture capacity of 1,702 mg per gram, ranking it among the most effective PFAS adsorbents reported to date. Its layered structure allows rapid ion exchange between weakly bonded nitrate ions and PFOA molecules under neutral water conditions, enabling quick removal without chemical pretreatment. The material demonstrated consistent performance in continuous filtration setups and natural water samples