Oxyle - Catalytic Nanomaterial Reactor for PFAS & Micropollutant Destruction

Switzerland · Germany · France and 6 more · 2022 · Oxyle AG — Swiss advanced water-treatment technology company (ETH Zurich spin-off, Schlieren, Zurich).

Oxyle has demonstrated that PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other persistent pollutants can be destroyed safely and efficiently at the point of treatment. Industrial clients can reduce toxic discharge, avoid costly waste-handling processes and meet tightening regulatory standards. Municipal pilots show strong potential for large-scale PFAS removal. By eliminating contaminants rather than transferring them, Oxyle reduces long-term environmental liabilities and strengthens water-system resilience.

Highlight

A breakthrough technology that destroys PFAS and toxic micropollutants instead of filtering or transferring them.

Extended description

• PFAS and other persistent micropollutants are among the most challenging contaminants in global water systems. Conventional treatment technologies — activated carbon, ion-exchange resins, membranes — can capture these substances but do not destroy them, creating secondary waste streams that require costly disposal. Oxyle addresses this systemic challenge with a catalytic technology capable of degrading PFAS and a wide range of toxic organic pollutants into harmless end products such as CO₂, fluoride ions and water.
• The core of Oxyle's solution is a proprietary nanocatalyst (a nanoporous material with very high surface area) embedded in a modular reactor. When contaminated water flows through the system, the catalyst — activated at ambient conditions — drives oxidation reactions that break down even highly stable molecules like PFAS. The process requires comparatively low energy, avoids added chemicals and prevents the formation of toxic by-products.
• Oxyle's platform is modular and can be deployed at industrial sites, municipal treatment plants, hospitals, landfills and remediation projects. The system integrates sensors and real-time monitoring to track pollutant degradation and ensure regulatory compliance. Because the technology destroys contaminants rather than transferring them, it eliminates the need for hazardous-waste handling and reduces lifecycle environmental impact.
• Operationally, Oxyle works with industrial clients in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles and electronics — industries that generate complex wastewater streams. The company also collaborates with utilities and environmental agencies to pilot PFAS-removal solutions at municipal scale; its first full system treats firefighting-foam-contaminated groundwater at up to ~10 m³/hour.
• Systemically, Oxyle represents a shift from pollutant capture to pollutant destruction, addressing one of the most urgent water-quality challenges worldwide. As regulations tighten around PFAS and micropollutants, Oxyle provides a future-proof, scalable and sustainable treatment pathway.

Demonstrated metrics

• Destruction of PFAS to below detection limits.
• Up to ~15× lower energy consumption than other destructive treatments (e.g. thermal/plasma).
• No secondary waste streams (pollutants are mineralized, not captured).
• First full system treats up to ~10 m³/hour of contaminated groundwater.
• Modular systems from pilot to industrial scale, with continuous real-time degradation monitoring.

Real impact

Oxyle has demonstrated that PFAS and other persistent pollutants can be destroyed safely and efficiently at the point of treatment. Industrial clients can reduce toxic discharge, avoid costly waste-handling processes and meet tightening regulatory standards. Municipal pilots show strong potential for large-scale PFAS removal. By eliminating contaminants rather than transferring them, Oxyle reduces long-term environmental liabilities and strengthens water-system resilience.

Implementation location & date

Oxyle’s portfolio includes approximately 20 projects across nine European countries (Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and the UK). The company has been operating pilots and proofs-of-concept across these regions since 2022–2023, which culminated in the successful commissioning of its first complete, full-scale destruction system in Switzerland in November 2024.

Sources

• Oxyle (official): https://oxyle.com/
• Oxyle deploys first PFAS destruction system in Switzerland (Startupticker): https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/oxyle-deploys-first-pfas-destruction-system-in-switzerland
• Greater Zurich — Oxyle launches first PFAS destruction system: https://www.greaterzuricharea.com/en/news/oxyle-launches-first-pfas-destruction-system-switzerland
• Swiss start-up commissions first complete PFAS destruction system (Chemeurope): https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1185018/swiss-start-up-oxyle-commissions-first-complete-pfas-destruction-system.html