Third Coast Water Seminar: Removing “Forever Chemicals” from Water using Polymers Derived from Corn

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), have come under increased scrutiny because of their environmental persistence and association with various health problems. Researchers at Northwestern University have developed porous polymers based on sugars derived from corn that remove PFAS from water effectively and that can be regenerated. In this talk, Dr. Will Dichtel describes the origins of this discovery and how his team uses the tools of chemistry to rationally improve their relevance to this societal need.