A new report has brought to light the underappreciated threat posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in lithium battery electrolytes to the environment. The researchers behind the finding emphasize the importance of removing these materials from wastewater streams and advocating for a more holistic approach to the design of green energy technologies to prevent unintentional harms.
Engineers working on lithium-ion batteries face the challenge of choosing the electrolyte, with PFAS such as the ionic liquid lithium bistriflimide becoming more common due to their stability. Known as ‘forever chemicals’ for their chemical and thermal stability, PFAS have been found in various environmental samples across the US and Europe, with concentrations varying significantly.
A team led by researchers from Duke University and Texas Tech University found high concentrations of PFAS, including bis-FASIs, near a 3M plant in Minnesota and in water leaching from landfills. The presence of these chemicals has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current treatment systems in removing PFAS from waste streams.
The researchers also observed neurotoxic effects on aquatic organisms exposed to PFAS, underscoring the importance of removing these chemicals from drinking water. Activated-carbon adsorptive treatments have shown promise in effectively removing bis-FASIs from water, providing a potential solution to this growing environmental issue.
Moving forward, collaboration between engineers and environmental scientists is crucial in developing sustainable technologies that minimize the risks associated with harmful compounds like PFAS. Chemical engineer Michael Wong at Rice University commends the comprehensive work of the researchers and plans to use their findings to inform future efforts in developing technologies to address the PFAS contamination issue.
