Elateq, Inc., is a water treatment company that is creating the next generation of electrochemical water processing technologies. Using novelties in electrochemical systems, Elateq enables regulatory wastewater compliance for various industries and does so sustainably.
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Ljiljana Rajic
Ljiljana Rajic is a co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Elateq, Inc., where she oversees various state and federal grants, and has commercialized a patented technology for electrochemical water treatment. Previously, she was a senior research scientist and co-lead of a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-funded green remediation project at Northeastern University. Rajic earned her Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia.
TECHNOLOGY
Critical Need
The world faces water scarcity and pollution, which are critical issues today. Among various pollutants that harm humans and ecosystems, “forever chemicals”—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that don't break down in the environment or the human body—have become a significant concern over the past decade. These chemicals are widespread and extremely difficult and costly to remove from water sources. Breaking them down into harmless byproducts sustainably is particularly challenging.
Technology Vision
Elateq has introduced a groundbreaking electrochemical method to combat forever chemicals. This innovative solution rapidly, cost-effectively, and energy-efficiently destroys these pollutants without using chemicals during operation or maintenance. Elateq’s unique cathode materials and advanced electrochemical cell combine different mechanisms to destroy forever chemicals completely. The rapid process can be scaled to various treatment capacities, making it a versatile and highly effective solution.
Potential for Impact
Elateq’s technology can potentially revolutionize regulatory compliance for forever chemicals. It outperforms other destructive technologies by using 50 percent less energy, achieving 85X higher removal rates, and requiring 20X less electrode material (which is also 20X cheaper). These features enable more sustainable solutions for the destruction of forever chemicals, highlighting just one of the many ways Elateq’s technology can make a significant and positive impact on our environment.
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