Unforeseen risks due to the use of fluorinated materials for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance removal

The escalating regulatory pressures on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water highlight the critical and expeditious need for advanced PFAS removal technologies. While innovative fluorinated materials are reported to be a promising avenue for PFAS removal by exploiting fluorine-fluorine (F···F) interactions, their production and applications raise potential concerns about perpetuating the “forever chemicals” cycle.