Element Six Introduces PFAS Treatment Technology

Element Six, a synthetic diamond manufacturer within the De Beers Group, has demonstrated the application of its free-standing boron doped diamond (BDD) electrodes in the destruction of short- and long-chain PFAS compounds found in remediation waste streams. Developed using microwave chemical vapor deposition (CVD), these robust, thick BDD electrodes are designed for extreme operating conditions and support high current densities—crucial for efficient electrochemical oxidation in PFAS treatment systems.

The electrodes have been incorporated into Lummus Technology’s Zimpro® electro-oxidation (ZEO) pilot units, which have shown significant reductions in PFAS concentrations when applied to landfill leachate concentrates. According to results, treatment with the BDD electrodes achieved a 99.996% reduction in total PFAS, including compounds with four or fewer carbon atoms, which are traditionally the most difficult to break down. Element Six states that its electrodes enable the oxidation process to operate in a current-limited region, balancing destruction performance and energy consumption.

In tandem with complementary technologies like foam fractionation, Element Six’s BDD electrodes form part of an integrated solution aimed at treating PFAS-contaminated waste more effectively. While further optimization and field trials are ongoing, the company maintains that this approach offers a scalable option for sites where traditional incineration or biological treatment methods fall short.

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