Let's Talk Chemistry- a science podcast by ChemTalk
Episode 65: Dr. Frank Leibfarth on Upcycling Plastic Waste and Tackling Forever Chemicals
January 9, 202647 min · 8,650 words
Show notes
Dr. Frank Leibfarth is the 2025 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists Laureate in Chemical Sciences, recognized for his work in upcycling plastics and removing “forever chemicals” (PFAS) from water. In this episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry, edited by Presley Vu, hosts Nina Deng and Diya Garrepally dive into our interview with Dr.
Highlighted moments
Most of what we call recycling just reshapes the plastic, which usually lowers its quality.
“how do you develop an upcycling technology that takes a material that let's say is 70 cents a pound and doesn't increase its price by more than three cents.”
“if a hydrogel can soak up a lot of water, could a fluorogel soak up a lot of fluorine.”
“another source of PFAS that may even be more than water, although the data isn't as clear is food packaging, especially takeout food packaging.”
Transcript
Transcript not available for this episode yet.
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