Element Six (E6), the De Beers subsidiary that produces synthetic diamonds for industrial purposes, has joined forces with Lummus Technology to create a diamond-based solution for the health issues associated with so-called forever chemicals: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The synthetic fluorinated organic compounds known as PFAS have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products since the 1930s. They are often referred to as forever chemicals because they do not break down naturally in the environment, and are resistant to grease, oil, water, and heat. At high exposures, they can cause serious health problems, including cancer, decreased immunity, and infertility.

This partnership marries Element Six’s boron-doped diamond tech with Lummus’ solution for water and wastewater treatment. The two companies have tested their combined technologies, which resulted in successful destruction of certain PFAS.

A statement said that Lummus and Element Six already are making progress in developing real-life applications for this technology.

In June, Element Six announced it was working with Orbray to develop the world’s highest quality wafer-scale synthetic diamonds.

Photo courtesy of Element Six

 

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