Summary
ECDehalo is an
industry-related project dedicated to the removal of highly persistent and
halogenated pollutants from water. One prevalent group of such chemicals is
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). PFAS compounds have been employed
in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, stain-resistant
carpets, food packaging materials, and firefighting foams. One of the
distinctive characteristics of PFAS compounds is their persistence in the
environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals" because
they do not readily break down. As a result, they can persist in the
environment for a long time, leading to their widespread presence in air,
water, soil, and even in the bodies of humans and wildlife. The main focus of
ECDehalo lies in the development and fabrication of microtubular gas diffusion
electrodes, assembling them in innovative modular designs, and scaling them up
through up-stacking. This approach presents a practical and effective solution
to tackle the challenge posed by PFAS compounds, ensuring a clean water supply.
The Electra infrastructure plays a pivotal role in this project, providing
essential tools and facilities for designing and constructing novel
electrochemical cells. These cells are intended to be utilized for
decentralized clean water supply, employing electrochemical oxidation methods.
By leveraging the capabilities of Electra, ECDehalo aims to revolutionize water
treatment, addressing the persistent pollutants like PFAS and advancing towards
a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to ensure access to clean
water.
