Environmental Clean Technologies Secures Breakthrough PFAS Remediation Technology from Rice University

Environmental Clean Technologies (ASX: ECT) has struck a landmark deal to acquire exclusive rights to a revolutionary soil remediation technology developed by Rice University, targeting the elimination of toxic PFAS compounds, often referred to as "forever chemicals".

The company has signed a binding agreement to acquire Terrajoule Pty Ltd, which holds the exclusive option to license Rice University’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology. This technology, known as Rapid Electrothermal Mineralisation (REM), uses a high-intensity electric pulse to heat soil to over 1,000 degrees Celsius in seconds. The process breaks down PFAS — chemicals with strong carbon-fluorine bonds that are notoriously resistant to degradation — into harmless by-products such as calcium fluoride.

Laboratory tests have shown over 96 percent defluorination efficiency and 99.98 percent removal of perfluorooctanoic acid, a common and particularly persistent PFAS pollutant.

The acquisition gives ECT exclusive access to this cutting-edge solution, developed by renowned chemist Professor James Tour and his team at Rice University in Houston. The deal is conditional on the successful execution of a formal licence agreement between Terrajoule and Rice, which is expected by the end of December.

ECT Chairman Faldi Ismail called the acquisition a major strategic advance for the company.

“ECT is focused on developing high-impact, scalable technologies. The addition of this PFAS remediation capability aligns perfectly with our strategy and offers significant commercial potential in a market desperate for effective solutions,” he said.

PFAS are found in a wide range of consumer products, firefighting foams, and industrial waste, with contamination linked to major environmental and health risks. Traditional remediation methods are energy-intensive, often costly, and create secondary pollutants. REM offers a cleaner, faster, and more efficient solution, while also preserving the soil’s ability to support life.

The company has raised $3 million through a placement to fund the development of this technology, with Peloton Capital acting as lead manager. The placement was strongly supported by sophisticated, professional, and institutional investors, issuing 50 million shares at $0.06 each.

Professor Tour welcomed the deal, stating, “Transforming scientific discovery into practical solutions is incredibly rewarding. ECT’s resources and vision have the potential to bring this technology to scale and redefine soil remediation standards globally.”

Beyond the PFAS focus, the acquisition adds depth to ECT’s expanding technology portfolio, which also includes its patented COLDry process for low-emission brown coal and critical minerals recovery.

ECT’s long-term goal is to commercialise a suite of sustainable technologies that address urgent global challenges. The company will invest approximately $400,000 over the next year into developing the FJH technology alongside its other clean tech platforms.

The acquisition further reinforces ECT’s positioning at the intersection of environmental responsibility and commercial opportunity — offering shareholders a rare exposure to advanced clean technologies with tangible, real-world applications.