Environmental Clean Technologies Expands Portfolio with Rice University’s Flash Joule Heating Technology

Environmental Clean Technologies (ASX: ECT) has struck a deal to acquire exclusive rights to Rice University’s breakthrough flash joule heating process for the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely known as “forever chemicals.”

The company will complete the acquisition of Terrajoule Pty Ltd, which currently holds the licence option, once it receives shareholder approval and finalises a binding agreement with Rice.

Executive chair Faldi Ismail described the development as a step-change for ECT, adding a disruptive remediation solution to its portfolio alongside the existing COLDry technology.

Transforming PFAS Remediation

PFAS compounds are prized for their resistance to heat, water and oil, but that durability has made them one of the most persistent environmental threats.

They appear in firefighting foams, textiles, and food packaging, and their carbon–fluorine bonds make them exceptionally difficult to break down.

Under the leadership of Professor James Tour, Rice University’s research team developed a process called Rapid Electrothermal Mineralisation.

By applying an intense electric pulse, this process heats contaminated soil above 1,000°C within seconds, breaking the bonds and converting the PFAS into harmless calcium fluoride.

Laboratory testing achieved more than 96% defluorination and nearly 100% removal of perfluorooctanoic acid, one of the most problematic compounds in the PFAS group, providing a strong foundation for commercial development.

Strategic Fit With ECT’s Growth Plans

For ECT, the acquisition reflects its strategy of assembling technologies that can scale globally while addressing urgent environmental and industrial challenges.

The company is already advancing its COLDry process for low-emission fertiliser production, and the addition of PFAS remediation opens a pathway into the soil and water clean-up sector.

ECT said it plans to commit about $400,000 over the next year to support further development of the flash joule process, directed toward scaling the technology from lab trials into pilot demonstrations, and targeting commercial deployment in partnership with Rice’s research team.
The acquisition also provides ECT with a direct collaboration channel with Professor Tour, ensuring continued access to the scientists who pioneered the technology.

Disruptive Technologies Portfolio

Mr Ismail called the agreement a defining moment for the company.

“ECT is focused on developing a diverse portfolio of high-impact and disruptive technologies, with our PFAS remediation solution leading the way in close collaboration with Professor Tour and Rice University,” he said.

“This innovation has the potential to restore soil health and contribute to a cleaner and safer environment.”

Professor Tour echoed this optimism, emphasising the opportunity to translate laboratory breakthroughs into real-world impact.

With the agreement in place, ECT said it would move quickly to finalise licensing and advance the technology toward pilot-scale demonstrations, marking the next step in bringing PFAS remediation into practical use.

Funding and Leadership Transition

To underpin the acquisition and accelerate project rollout, ECT has secured $3 million through a placement to institutional and professional investors, managed by Peloton Capital.

The proceeds will fund both the PFAS program and ongoing development of the company’s core projects.

The company also announced that Mr Ismail will transition from non-executive to executive chair from 1 October, reflecting the need for active executive oversight as ECT expands its portfolio and new technologies move closer to market.

Management stressed that the combination of funding, licensing, and leadership changes positions ECT to advance quickly once it has secured the necessary approvals.