# ERASE-PFAS: Mechanistic Study of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Per and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances to Guide Electrode Design

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Fraunhofer USA Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies (MI) · $500,000

## Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are harmful pollutants that do not break down easily and can contaminate drinking water. This project will improve a treatment method called electrochemical oxidation, which uses electrodes made of diamond to destroy PFAS and turn them into safer compounds. Along with scientific progress, the project will support STEM education by training both undergraduate and graduate students and offering outreach programs and workshops. These efforts will help prepare a skilled workforce to address major environmental problems. The project will also support global teamwork by connecting researchers, students, and industry professionals to find better ways to handle PFAS pollution.

This project aims to advance the scientific understanding and practical application of electrochemical oxidation (EO) using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes for the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); a class of environmentally persistent and chemically stable synthetic pollutants. PFAS, including compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are highly resistant to conventional chemical, physical, and biological treatment processes, making their removal from drinking water and wastewater particularly challenging. The proposed research seeks to address current limitations in EO treatment by investigating the mechanistic basis of PFAS degradation at BDD electrode

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2529866
- **Awardee organization:** Fraunhofer USA Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies (MI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** VMECQP1R7FD9
- **PI:** Ibrahim Abusallout
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $500,000
- **Funds obligated:** $500,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2529866

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2529866, ERASE-PFAS: Mechanistic Study of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Per and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances to Guide Electrode Design. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2529866. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*