Scientists develop a new solution for cleaning chemicals used in chips

A promising advance can transform the way industry deals with toxic waste generated in chip production. Researchers at Monash University in Australia announced The development of a cleaning technology that removes more than 90% of the so -called “eternal chemicals” present in chip manufacturing processesmarking a big step towards a more sustainable sector.

Innovation seeks to solve an old problem in the manufacture of chips: the presence of pupas, perfluoroalchilated substances that, because they are highly persistent, accumulate in the environment and offer health risks. Now, with the new graphene membrane developed by the Monash team, the process of cleaning these toxic waste can become much more efficient.

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Eternal chemicals: Invisible threat

Pafas are chemical compounds used in various steps of semiconductor manufacturing. They earned the nickname “eternal chemicals” because of their high resistance to degradation. Capable to easily dissolve in water, these substances contaminate groundwater and remain in the environment for decades, making cleaning difficult.

In addition to environmental risks, Pafas can also be dangerous to human health. Studies show that certain types can be toxic when inhaled or ingested and tend to remain in the body for long periods.

Led by Doctoral Standing Eubert Mahofa, the Monash University team has developed a modified graphene membrane capable of selectively retaining the pupas molecules, while allowing free water flow. Performance exceeds traditional polyamide -based methods, which remove only about 35% of these substances.

“Pafas are difficult to contain because they spread quickly through water. Our technology solves this when capturing and concentrating these molecules, keeping the efficient flow of water,” Explipa Hota.

This new approach allows filtering at different temperatures and captures even the smallest molecular chains of PFAs, which usually escape the conventional barriers.

Industrial and Environmental Impact

Despite environmental advantages, the chip industry has historically resisted to initiatives that limit the use of PFAs, even forming lobbying groups to maintain the release of these compounds. The proposed technology, however, can change this scenario by providing a viable alternative to contain contamination without compromising production processes.

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Professor Mainak Majumder, from the Australian Research Council, highlighted the potential of the discovery: “This breakthrough can revolutionize Pafas contamination management on a global scale, from landscaping to industrial water purification.”

Next Steps

With strategic partnerships already in progress, the Monash team plans to scale membrane production for large scale application. The technology is expected to be deployed in semiconductor factories and other industries that work with eternal chemicals, preventing these waste from continuing to contaminate soil and water.

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Persistent challenge

Even with technological solutions like this, the challenge of cleaning the PFAS remains complex. The compounds have highly stable carbon-fluch connections, with half-life over eight years, which requires continuous efforts and effective mitigation policies.

The new membrane, however, emerges as a watershed in offering a powerful tool to combat contamination. With the potential to transform the way we deal with industrial waste, Monash University’s innovation represents a crucial advance for both the chip industry and the environment.

Fonte: tomshardware