Advances and Prospects in Electrocatalytic Processes for Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater pollution is severe, with various refractory compounds extensively used and discharged into sewage, posing risks to the environment and human health. Electrocatalytic technologies including direct and indirect electrocatalytic oxidation, electrocatalytic reduction, and electro-Fenton processes offer advantages such as high efficiency, ease of control, and minimal secondary pollution. This review aims to systematically introduce the principles, current research status, advantages, and disadvantages of various electrocatalytic processes used for wastewater treatment, with a focus on the electrode materials, operational parameters, and cost analysis of various electrocatalytic technologies. It also provides new insights into efficient electrode materials for future electrocatalytic technologies in treating refractory wastewater.