A team of scientists has discovered a simple, low-energy way to break apart one of the largest groups of 'forever chemicals', nefarious pollutants that have been linked to environmental harm and human health concerns.
While practical applications are still a way off, scientists are in awe of the new technique's potential.
In detailed simulations, PFAS molecules – long-chain synthetic chemicals with carbon-fluorine bonds so strong they were considered impossible to break without a great deal of effort – quickly 'fell apart' under a specific set of mild conditions.
