In the quest to combat environmental pollution, particularly the persistent contamination of water by hazardous chemicals, a team of researchers in Japan has developed a groundbreaking approach. By harnessing lignin and glucose, two carbon-rich substances, they have created innovative materials designed to remove harmful “forever chemicals”—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—from water.
PFAS are a broad group of synthetic chemicals found in countless everyday products, from non-stick cookware and water-resistant fabrics to firefighting foams and semiconductors. Their unique ability to resist heat, water, and oil, due to their strong chemical bonds, makes them incredibly useful. However, this very durability is also their downfall. PFAS do not break down easily in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” As a result, these substances accumulate in the soil, water, and even in human bodies, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.
Due to their persistence, PFAS have been banned in many countries under international environmental agreements. Despite this, contamination remains widespread, with recent studies revealing PFAS in soils, rivers, and groundwater. This has underscored the urgent need for effective methods to remove these chemicals from water. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of sustainable and efficient technologies to address the issue.
In response to this challenge, a research team from the Institute of Science Tokyo, led by Associate Professor Toshihiro Isobe from the Department of Materials Science and Professor Manabu Fujii from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has developed a promising solution. Their innovative approach uses carbon-based materials to efficiently remove PFAS from water. The team’s work includes two key developments: a novel adsorbent that traps PFAS on its surface and a membrane distillation (MD) system that purifies contaminated water.
By using lignin—a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry—and glucose, a simple sugar, as carbon sources, the researchers have created sustainable materials capable of effectively removing PFAS from water. The MD method they developed combines distillation with membrane separation, offering a new, efficient strategy for purifying water contaminated with these harmful chemicals.
“This research is exciting because it leverages abundant and sustainable carbon sources like lignin and glucose to address a critical environmental issue,” explained Professor Isobe. “By integrating the membrane distillation method, we’re advancing an innovative approach to purifying water that could be crucial for the future of PFAS removal technologies.”
The team’s groundbreaking research was recently presented at the 23rd International Symposium on Eco-Materials Processing and Design in January 2025, highlighting the potential of these novel materials to contribute to the global effort toward cleaner water and a healthier environment.
This innovative approach could not only help eliminate dangerous chemicals from water but also pave the way for more sustainable purification technologies in the future, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6—clean water and sanitation for all.
Innovative Methods to Purify PFAS-Contaminated Water Using Carbon-Based Materials
The research team’s innovative approach to PFAS removal leverages a key difference between water and PFAS—their distinct boiling points. By using a membrane distillation (MD) method, the team was able to purify water contaminated with PFAS. The process takes advantage of the fact that water has a lower boiling point than PFAS, allowing the PFAS to remain behind while only water vapor passes through.
The scientists used a hydrophobic, porous carbon-based separation membrane in the MD system, which effectively blocked PFAS while allowing water vapor to escape. This selective filtration ensures that harmful chemicals, such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are retained in the system. The results of their experiments showed a significant reduction in PFOS concentrations—simulated water containing PFOS at around 500 ng/L dropped to a level of just 3 ng/L, well below global environmental safety standards.
Alongside the MD method, the team also explored another approach to tackle PFAS contamination—using lignin-derived adsorbents. Through a series of experiments, they found that small quantities of activated carbon, treated with zinc chloride in a 1:3 ratio, could effectively remove up to 99% of PFAS within just 10 minutes. This finding suggests that these adsorbents could serve as highly efficient tools for PFAS removal, offering a sustainable and fast solution.
Overall, the team’s work demonstrates the potential of carbon-based materials in addressing the environmental challenge of PFAS contamination. Their research provides a promising foundation for developing future purification technologies that can help tackle persistent environmental issues.
Professor Isobe looks to the future with plans to enhance the MD purification method. “Currently, we rely on heaters and vacuum pumps to enhance the flow of water vapor during the PFAS removal process,” he said. “However, we aim to transition to solar heating to create an electricity-free system, making it more sustainable and efficient.”
This exciting development signals a step forward in creating sustainable solutions for water purification, offering hope for cleaner, safer water in the fight against harmful chemical pollution.