New research demonstrates a closed-loop system using Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) to capture and mineralize 'forever chemicals,' potentially revolutionizing global water remediation markets.
HOUSTON - In a significant advancement for environmental engineering and public health safety, researchers at Rice University have unveiled a novel, regenerable platform capable of rapidly capturing and destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely known as "forever chemicals." The breakthrough, detailed in research released in late 2025, marks the first demonstration of a closed-loop, sustainable system that not only traps these persistent contaminants but mineralizes them into harmless byproducts.
The development comes at a critical juncture for global water authorities and industrial regulators, who are grappling with the soaring costs of PFAS remediation. Led by Rice professors Pedro Alvarez and James Tour, along with researcher Yi-Hsuan Chung, the team has developed a method that thermally decomposes PFAS captured on a specialized Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) material. This innovation addresses the primary flaw in current filtration technologies: the generation of secondary toxic waste that requires expensive and hazardous storage.
This technological leap signals a potential shift in the water treatment market, moving away from simple separation methods toward total destruction-a change that could save billions in regulatory cleanup costs over the coming decade.
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The core of this innovation lies in the use of Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH), a material engineered with unique copper-aluminum layers. According to reports from Rice University, the material's charge imbalances create an ideal binding environment to capture PFAS molecules from contaminated water sources. While adsorption (capturing) is a standard practice using activated carbon, the Rice team's innovation is what happens next.
Instead of disposing of the saturated filter material in a landfill-where chemicals can eventually leach back into the ecosystem-the new process involves heating the PFAS-loaded LDH material with calcium carbonate. This thermal treatment decomposes the trapped chemicals. Experts involved in the study report that this method eliminates more than half of the trapped PFAS in a single pass without releasing toxic byproducts, while simultaneously regenerating the LDH material for reuse.
"The research marks the first demonstration of a closed-loop, sustainable PFAS removal and destruction system. Early results show the material can undergo at least six full cycles of capture, breakdown and regeneration."
This "trap-and-zap" capability distinguishes the Rice platform from conventional reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon (GAC) systems. Where traditional methods merely transfer contaminants from water to a solid filter state, the Rice method effectively deletes the contaminant from existence.
This development is part of a broader, aggressive push by Rice University's WaTER Institute to tackle environmental contaminants. The LDH platform complements another recent breakthrough led by the same research group: Rapid Electrothermal Mineralization (REM).
According to research data, REM utilizes electrical inserts and biochar-an eco-friendly conductive additive-to heat contaminated soil or waste to temperatures exceeding 1,000°C (and up to 3,000°C in specific applications) in mere seconds. This flash-heating process mineralizes PFAS instantly. While REM is ideally suited for soil and highly concentrated sludge, the new LDH platform appears optimized for continuous water filtration and regeneration, providing a comprehensive toolkit for environmental engineers.
The scalability of this technology is supported by a robust network of international funding and collaboration. The research has received support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages extensive remediation projects on military bases often contaminated by firefighting foams containing PFAS. Additionally, international backing from the National Research Foundation of Korea and Saudi Aramco-KAIST CO2 Management suggests a high level of global interest in deploying these solutions across industrial sectors.
The timing of this discovery aligns with tightening environmental regulations in the United States and the European Union. As EPA limits for PFAS in drinking water become more stringent, municipalities are facing exorbitant costs to upgrade treatment facilities. The current standard involves shipping saturated carbon filters to hazardous waste incinerators or specialized landfills, a process that is both costly and carbon-intensive.
From a business perspective, the regenerable nature of the LDH material offers a distinct competitive advantage. If a treatment plant can reuse its capture medium six times or more, operational expenses (OPEX) drop significantly. Furthermore, the ability to mineralize waste on-site eliminates the legal liability associated with transporting toxic waste across state or national lines.
"Heterogeneous catalysis-the use of solid materials to speed up chemical reactions-has the potential to not only separate but actually mineralize PFAS into harmless by-products," noted Gregory Lowry of Carnegie Mellon, a collaborator in the broader field of catalytic solutions, highlighting the industry's pivot toward destruction over containment.
The successful testing of the LDH material in river water, tap water, and wastewater indicates that the technology is moving rapidly from the lab bench toward pilot-scale implementation. The establishment of Rice University's Center of Excellence for PFAS research suggests a long-term institutional commitment to commercializing these discoveries.
However, challenges remain in scaling the heating process for massive municipal water volumes. While the chemistry holds up, the engineering required to integrate thermal regeneration cycles into existing water infrastructure will require significant capital investment and partnership with established water technology firms. As 2026 approaches, the focus will likely shift to field pilots and the development of retrofitting kits for existing water treatment plants.
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