Element Six, a subsidiary of De Beers specializing in synthetic diamonds for industrial applications, has partnered with technology licensing giant Lummus Technology to develop a new diamond-based solution targeting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—persist chemical pollutants known as ‘forever chemicals.’
PFAS, a wide group of synthetic fluorinated organic compounds, have been manufactured and extensively utilized in industrial applications and consumer goods since the 1930s. Dubbed ‘forever chemicals,’ PFAS do not biodegrade naturally in the environment and can lead to severe health issues in instances of high exposure, such as cancer, compromised immunity, and infertility.
The new product aims to leverage Element Six’s boron-doped diamond (BDD) tech with Lummus’ electro-oxidation water and wastewater treatment. In a recent statement, Lummus confirmed that tests of the product have results in the successful destruction of long and short chain PFAS.
“There are so many aspects of our daily lives which will benefit from the pioneering technology delivered through this partnership,” said Siobhán Duffy, CEO of Element Six. “From improving our environment, to safeguarding our health, this diamond-based electrochemical solution will address the critical global problem of PFAS, ensuring a better future can be built for everyone.”
