The main objective of this project is to design and optimize a continuous system for the removal of PFAS substances from drinking water.

Although granular activated carbon and ion exchange resin technologies are currently the most promising, they have certain limitations. Therefore, there is no commercially available system that allows for the effective removal of PFAS substances, especially short-chain or ultra-short-chain PFAS. In this context, this project aims to develop a system based on porous materials with improved adsorptive properties, adapted to drinking water treatment systems, for the rapid and efficient removal of PFAS substances to levels safe for human consumption (concentration of PFOA y PFOS < 4 ng L, and of PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX < 10 ng/L).

To address this overall objective, and based on the polar (short-chain PFAS) or nonpolar (long-chain PFAS) nature of the PFAS substances, different adsorbent materials with high porosity and aqueous stability will be designed and synthesized. Thus, for the efficient removal of PFAS substances, two strategies will be pursued based on: i) multifunctional porous materials with adsorptive properties, and ii) multifunctional porous materials with both adsorptive and photocatalytic properties.

Partners: Canal de Isabel II S.A.; Fundación IMDEA Energía

Funding Institution/Program: Comunidad de Madrid / Convocatoria de ayudas para la realización de doctorados industriales 2024

Period: 08/10/2025-07/10/2028

IMDEA Energy Institute external funding: 90.000 €

PhD: Guillermo Morón

Tutor: Patricia Horcajada