Recent Advances in Fenton and Fenton-Like Catalysts

Dear Colleagues,

The Fenton reaction represents a cornerstone of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). Its principle—the catalytic generation of potent hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide—has been extensively exploited for the destruction of hazardous organic pollutants in water. Despite its efficacy, the classical homogeneous Fenton process is hampered by inherent drawbacks, primarily its demanding acidic pH requirement and the challenge of catalyst recovery, spurring the quest for more robust and versatile alternatives.

This pursuit has catalyzed the rapid evolution of "Fenton-like" systems, a broad and innovative field extending beyond traditional iron chemistry. The development of heterogeneous catalysts, incorporating iron or other transition metals into stable solid matrices, was a pivotal step, enabling operation at near-neutral pH and facilitating catalyst reuse. The frontier of the field now encompasses even more sophisticated strategies. These include the engineering of single-atom sites for maximal atomic efficiency, the coupling with external energy inputs like light (photo-Fenton) or ultrasound, and the exploration of non-iron metal catalysts and metal-free carbon-based systems. These advances are not only refining water purification technologies but are also opening new avenues in sustainable chemistry and biomedical applications.

This Special Issue is dedicated to showcasing the breakthroughs that are turning these fundamental challenges into opportunities. We seek contributions that illuminate novel catalytic materials, unravel intricate reaction mechanisms, and demonstrate groundbreaking applications, highlighting the ongoing transformation of this classic chemistry into a platform for modern technological innovation.

If you would like to submit papers for publication in this Special Issue or have any questions, please contact the in-house Editor, Mr. Ives Liu (ives.liu@mdpi.com).

Dr. Lejin Xu
Guest Editor

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