Perspectives of Wood-Inspired Electro-Fenton Catalysis for Energy-Efficient Wastewater Decontamination

A large-scale deployment of electro-Fenton (EF) technology faces significant challenges, including the high cost of catalysts, complex electrode preparation, and limited energy utilization efficiency. Wood-derived carbon materials (WDCM) with three-dimensional (3D) structures have shown immense potential for energy storage and environmental remediation, due to their low cost and raw-material abundance, particularly the hierarchical structures for efficient mass transfer and ease of modification in electrochemical performance. The cost-effecitve and environmentally friendly nature as well as outstanding electrochemical performances make WDCM promising candidates for green and renewable electro-Fenton (EF) systems. In WDCM-based EF systems, it is crucial to explore suitable strategies for structural engineering and modification, enabling a better understanding of the relationships among structure, property, and performance. In this review, we present a perspective on wood redesign through structural engineering and chemical modification to regulate its mechanical properties and optimize mass transfer in electrochemical performance. Furthermore, we comprehensively discuss the recent advances and pathways of wood-based electro-Fenton systems. Finally, we provide a road map for the future challenges and opportunities of upscaling wood-based electro-Fenton systems for practical water treatments.