# ECLIPSE-PFAS: Engineering Liquid-phase Plasma Discharge for Complete Destruction of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Regents of the University of Idaho (ID) · $419,997

## Abstract

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called “forever chemicals,” are a serious problem in water across the United States. These toxic chemicals do not break down naturally, build up in people and animals, and are linked to major health risks. Current water treatment methods cannot destroy PFAS because of their very strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This project will develop and test a new method called Continuous-flow Liquid-phase Plasma Discharge (CLPD). The CLPD system creates powerful chemical reactions in water to break apart PFAS completely, without making new harmful byproducts. If successful, this could be a simple, chemical-free, and low-energy way to clean PFAS from water.  The project integrates educational outreach and workforce development components, including new course offerings, research opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, and dissemination to stakeholders through professional development resources. 

This project aims to engineer and investigate a Continuous-flow Liquid-phase Plasma Discharge (CLPD) process designed for the complete defluorination and mineralization of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. PFAS represent a persistent class of contaminants due to their strong carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds, which resist conventional chemical and biological degradation, leading to bioaccumulation and significant health concerns. While nonthermal plasma discharge shows promise for degrading recalcitrant poll

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2512315
- **Awardee organization:** Regents of the University of Idaho (ID)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** QWYKRJH5NNJ3
- **PI:** Sarah Wu
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Ecosystem Leading Innovation Plasma S&E, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $419,997
- **Funds obligated:** $419,997
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2512315

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2512315, ECLIPSE-PFAS: Engineering Liquid-phase Plasma Discharge for Complete Destruction of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2512315. Licensed CC0.

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