Monash scientists develop filter to remove “forever chemicals” from water

Monash University researchers have created an innovative water filtration membrane that effectively removes small PFAS molecules, a significant advance over traditional filters that struggle with these persistent pollutants.

PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals,” are widely used in industrial and consumer products and pose potential health risks due to their environmental persistence. Their presence in Australian drinking water and waterways has prompted a Federal inquiry into their use and impact.

The research team designed a beta-cyclodextrin modified graphene oxide membrane with nanoscale channels that selectively block PFAS while allowing water to pass through. In testing, it significantly outperformed conventional polyamide membranes, which typically remove only about a third of short-chain PFAS.

“PFAS are difficult to manage because they dissolve easily in water and can spread far from their original source,” explained study first author and PhD candidate Eubert Mahofa.

“Our approach solves this by filtering out and concentrating these harmful chemicals while still allowing water to flow through efficiently.”

The membrane was fabricated using shear alignment printing, a scalable technique that enables industrial-scale production. Simulations confirmed the membrane creates an energetic barrier that prevents PFAS movement even under varying temperatures.

This breakthrough has emerged from a collaboration between Monash University, Clean TeQ Water and its graphene-focused subsidiary NematiQ, which has supported the development and commercialisation of the technology.

“This breakthrough in PFAS filtration has the potential to revolutionise how PFAS contamination is managed globally,” said Professor Mainak Majumder, Director of the Australian Research Council’s Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials.

The research opens possibilities for developing advanced nanofiltration membranes tailored to remove specific molecular species from water.

Picture: supplied