New Nano-Cage Technology Removes Most PFAS from Water

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:34:00 +0200

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel water filtration method capable of removing up to 98% of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including short-chain variants that are notoriously difficult to capture. Led by Dr. Witold Bloch, the team designed nano-sized molecular cages embedded in mesoporous silica, which selectively trap PFAS molecules through a unique aggregation mechanism. Laboratory tests confirmed the material's high efficiency at environmentally relevant concentrations and demonstrated reusability over multiple cycles, making it suitable for integration into water treatment systems. This development addresses growing concerns about PFAS contamination, which is widespread in groundwater, surface water, and drinking supplies due to industrial and consumer product usage. The breakthrough offers a promising solution to mitigate one of the most persistent environmental pollutants, potentially improving public health and water safety globally.