Highlights

  • Expanded licence with Rice University allows FJH treatment of PFAS-contaminated GAC
  • On-site mineralisation reduces costs and environmental risks compared to incineration
  • FJH converts spent GAC into high-value carbon products like graphene and graphite

Environmental Clean Technologies Limited (ASX: ECT) has broadened its licence agreement with Rice University to include the application of Flash Joule-Heating (FJH) technology to PFAS-contaminated adsorbents such as Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). This expansion complements ECT’s existing Rapid Electrothermal Mineralisation (REM) soil remediation platform and strengthens its PFAS destruction capabilities.

The technology applies high-power electrical current to carbon-based materials, rapidly breaking carbon-fluorine bonds characteristic of PFAS, and converting spent GAC into valuable carbon products. This on-site solution addresses key limitations of conventional PFAS disposal, which relies on energy-intensive off-site incineration. With technical evaluation by ECT’s CTO Justin Sharp and collaboration with Rice University, the Company is positioned to deliver sustainable PFAS remediation across both soil and water treatment applications.

FJH Technology for Adsorbent Remediation

ECT’s FJH system targets PFAS captured in spent GAC, a common adsorbent in water treatment systems. Traditional disposal methods involve off-site high-temperature incineration, which is costly and can release PFAS into the environment. FJH applies rapid electrical heating, breaking the chemical bonds of PFAS in seconds and converting GAC into graphene, graphite, or amorphous carbon. This allows on-site destruction, reducing waste transport, emissions, and secondary contamination risks. By using the same system developed for soil remediation, ECT delivers a complementary, scalable, and environmentally friendly solution to PFAS treatment challenges.

Strategic Expansion and Next Steps

The amended licence with Rice, via ECT’s subsidiary Terrajoule Inc., now covers PFAS-contaminated adsorbents. ECT will progress the development and validation of an on-site FJH system for GAC mineralisation, targeting pilot-scale deployment pending technical and regulatory approval. This expanded capability positions ECT to offer a comprehensive PFAS destruction platform across multiple mediums, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable remediation technologies. The move also opens opportunities for cost-effective and safe PFAS treatment in both soil and water applications.