ECT Secures Game-Changing PFAS Cleanup Tech from Rice University

A Strategic Acquisition in Environmental Remediation

Environmental Clean Technologies Limited (ASX – ECT) has announced a significant step forward in its environmental technology portfolio by entering into a binding agreement to acquire Terrajoule Pty Ltd. This Australian private company holds an exclusive option to license Rice University’s proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, designed to remediate soil contaminated with PFAS and heavy metals.

PFAS, often dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistent carbon-fluorine bonds, pose a growing environmental and health threat globally. Traditional remediation methods have struggled with inefficiency, high costs, and secondary waste generation. Rice University’s FJH technology, also known as Rapid Electrothermal Mineralisation (REM), offers a disruptive alternative by rapidly heating contaminated soil to over 1,000°C, breaking down PFAS into harmless calcium fluoride without producing secondary aqueous waste.

Proven Lab Success and Commercial Potential

Laboratory testing led by Professor James Tour at Rice University has demonstrated remarkable results, achieving over 96% defluorination efficiency and 99.98% removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the most persistent PFAS pollutants. These findings, peer-reviewed and published in Nature Communications, underscore the technology’s potential to redefine soil remediation standards.

Unlike conventional approaches that often relocate contaminants, the REM process destroys PFAS in situ, preserving soil quality and reducing logistical burdens. The technology’s scalability was further validated through kilogram-scale testing, showing rapid and effective treatment within seconds.

Funding and Leadership to Accelerate Growth

To support the acquisition and further development of the FJH technology, ECT has secured firm commitments from sophisticated and institutional investors to raise $3 million through a placement of 50 million shares at $0.06 each. This capital injection will primarily fund the advancement of the FJH technology alongside ECT’s existing COLDry fertiliser development.

In a move reflecting the company’s strategic ambitions, Faldi Ismail will transition from Non-Executive Chairman to Executive Chairman effective October 1, 2025. His enhanced role is expected to provide stronger leadership and drive the commercialisation of these innovative environmental solutions.

Looking Ahead – Commercialisation and Market Impact

Completion of the acquisition remains subject to shareholder approval and finalisation of the licence agreement with Rice University. Upon completion, ECT will not only gain access to cutting-edge PFAS remediation technology but also establish a collaborative relationship with Professor Tour’s team to guide commercialisation efforts.

This acquisition aligns with ECT’s broader strategy to build a diversified portfolio of disruptive environmental technologies addressing critical global challenges such as toxic contamination and soil health restoration. As regulatory pressures and environmental awareness intensify, the market for effective PFAS remediation solutions is poised for substantial growth.