Reviewed by Lexie CornerApr 9 2025
Researchers at Monash College have developed a brand new filter designed to handle the constraints of standard water filters, which are sometimes ineffective at eradicating smaller PFAS molecules.
Picture Credit score: Monash College
The researchers developed a water filtration membrane utilizing a beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) modified graphene oxide (GO-βCD) design. The membrane options nanoscale channels that selectively seize small PFAS molecules whereas permitting water to cross by way of.
PFAS, also referred to as “endlessly chemical substances,” are extensively utilized in industrial and client merchandise, resulting in their persistence within the atmosphere and potential well being dangers. The growing contamination of Australia’s consuming water and waterways with PFAS has raised considerations for governments, communities, and water service suppliers, resulting in a present Federal inquiry into the extent of their use and influence nationwide.
In laboratory exams, the Monash membrane outperformed conventional polyamide membranes, which generally take away solely about 35 % of short-chain PFAS. The analysis group additionally confirmed that the membrane creates an vitality barrier that successfully prevents PFAS from passing by way of, lowering contamination.
Eubert Mahofa, the lead creator of the research and a Ph.D. candidate at Monash College, highlighted the importance of this development in PFAS filtration.
PFAS are troublesome to handle as a result of they dissolve simply in water and might unfold removed from their authentic supply, making contamination difficult to comprise and remediate. Eradicating small PFAS molecules from water has been a significant hurdle for current filters.
Eubert Mahofa, Examine Lead Writer and Ph.D Candidate, Monash College
“Our method solves this by filtering out and concentrating these dangerous chemical substances whereas nonetheless permitting water to movement by way of effectively, making it a powerful candidate to complement the applied sciences for PFAS destruction,” mentioned Mahofa.
Dr. Sally El Meragawi, co-researcher on the venture, emphasised the potential influence of the membrane on world water therapy methods.
By combining superior supplies with sensible chemistry, we’ve created a extremely environment friendly technique to deal with this world contamination concern. The distinctive construction of our membrane allows it to successfully take away even the smallest PFAS molecules.
Dr. Sally El Meragawi, Examine Co-Researcher, Monash College
“Our method additionally paves the best way for future membrane applied sciences tailor-made for eradicating focused contaminants in consuming and wastewater therapy purposes. It additionally retains key vitamins in water, making it a gorgeous technique to be used alongside conventional nanofiltration methods,” mentioned Meragawi.
The membrane was fabricated utilizing shear alignment printing, a scalable approach appropriate for large-scale industrial manufacturing of graphene oxide movies.
Whereas standard polyamide membranes are much less efficient at blocking smaller PFAS molecules, exams and simulations indicated that the Monash-designed membrane kinds a powerful barrier that stops PFAS passage, even below various temperatures, whereas nonetheless permitting environment friendly water movement.
“This breakthrough in PFAS filtration has the potential to revolutionize how PFAS contamination is managed globally, with purposes starting from landfill leachate therapy to industrial wastewater purification,” mentioned Professor Majumder.
“Our know-how opens new prospects for growing superior nanofiltration membranes tailor-made to take away particular molecular species by deciding on acceptable binding chemistries,” mentioned Professor Majumder.
The continued collaboration between Monash College, Clear TeQ Water, and its subsidiary, NematiQ, which makes a speciality of graphene, has been essential to the event and commercialization of this modern membrane know-how.
The event of a modified graphene membrane for PFAS elimination represents an thrilling development in water therapy. NematiQ appears to be like ahead to collaborating carefully with Monash College to deliver this modern know-how to market.
Peter Voigt, CEO, Clear TeQ Water and NematiQ
“We’re excited to proceed our partnership with NematiQ to advance the commercialization of this promising graphene membrane know-how. Collaborations like this are key to translating analysis into real-world influence,” mentioned Professor Majumder.
Journal Reference:
Mahofa, E.,et al. (2025) Manipulating Intrapore Vitality Boundaries in Graphene Oxide Nanochannels for Focused Removing of Quick-Chain PFAS. ACS Nano. doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c15413.
