Porous carbons for use in electro-Fenton and Fenton-like reactions

Electro-Fenton, photo-Fenton and Fenton-like reactions are important advanced oxidation processes for waste water treatment, which overcome the limitations of a narrow pH range and excessive iron sludge production in the classic Fenton reaction and have received great attention in the last few decades. The porous carbons in these Fenton-like reaction systems act as catalyst carriers to disperse active species, and as adsorbents to enrich reactants. They promote electron and mass transfer, prevent metal leaching and improve the efficiency of contaminant removal. They also promote the production and activation of hydrogen peroxide in electro-Fenton reactions and inhibit the recombination rate of electron/hole pairs in photo-Fenton reactions. There are well-developed synthesis methods for porous carbons, giving them different functionalities, and a high chemical and thermal stability, making them favored materials for use in these reactions. Recent developments in these fields are discussed.