Advances in the application and mechanism of metal-based catalysts in catalytic ozonation

Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation(HCO) has garnered significant attention in the field of water treatment due to its exceptional capability to mineralize organic pollutants. This technology enhances the degradation and mineralization efficiency of organic contaminants by activating ozone through catalytic surface-active sites, thereby generating reactive oxygen species(ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals(·OH) and superoxide radicals(O2·-). Metal-based catalysts have become a research focus due to their superior catalytic activity, structural stability, and tunability. This review systematically elaborated on the structural characteristics, catalytic performance, and application status of metal oxides(e.g., Al2O3, MgO, MnO2, FeOOH), multimetal oxides, and novel metal-based catalysts in water treatment. The critical roles and regulatory strategies of active sites(e.g., surface hydroxyl groups, oxygen vacancies, and metal ions) in ozone activation mechanisms were explored, while the formation pathways of radical-dominated and non-radical processes were comparatively analyzed. The findings provided theoretical foundations and technical pathways for developing cost-effective, highly stable ozone catalytic materials and synergistic oxidation processes integrating radical and non-radical mechanisms.