Florida State researcher tests commercial potential of PFAS-destruction technology

Kimberley Christopher, a doctoral candidate at Florida State University, is testing the commercial potential of a patent-pending plasma process through the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program. The process uses electrons to trigger the breakdown of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or forever chemicals.

PFAS have been used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant materials, firefighting foams and industrial applications. Their chemical stability also makes many of these substances extremely difficult to break down after they enter the environment.

According to the NSF project description, the approach uses nonthermal plasma and electrons to weaken the carbon-fluorine bonds characteristic of PFAS. An injected electron can trigger bond fragmentation and then regenerate, allowing it to act as a catalyst rather than be consumed.

The NSF-backed project, led by FSU chemical engineering professor Bruce R. Locke, is examining whether the technology can destroy PFAS in water competitively on cost and energy use. Its $50,000 I-Corps award runs from September 2026 through August 2027.

The team plans to conduct 100 discovery interviews over seven weeks, from September through October, to investigate potential markets and identify the customer group most likely to benefit from the technology.

The technology has not yet become a commercial PFAS treatment system. Its performance, economics and ability to operate at larger scale remain subjects of ongoing evaluation.