New Trends in Heterogeneous Fenton Catalysts

Dear Colleagues,

The Fenton process has gained substantial interest in water and soil treatment applications due to its ability to degrade pollutants at great efficiencies through the in situ generation of hydroxyl radicals (^·OH). In the classic Fenton process, the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) produces ^·OH radicals. However, high amounts of Fe²⁺ are needed to attain complete removal of pollutants due to the slowness of Fe²⁺ regeneration. The heterogeneous Fenton process involves the reaction of H₂O₂ with a solid Fe(II)-containing catalyst, which produces ^·OH radicals on the surface for the complete mineralization or oxidation of pollutants into smaller compounds. The Fenton process is believed to be a more cost-effective technology than other AOPs, as the process utilizes low-cost Fe-based catalysts and can be coupled with solar energy (photo-Fenton) to accelerate the recovery of Fe(II) from Fe(III) in the catalyst. With recent advancements in research, novel iron-based catalysts, such as nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), multi-metal compounds, and composites containing zeolite, carbon-based compounds, clays, and metal-organic frameworks (MOF) as supporting materials, have been developed for Fenton-based processes. In addition, non-iron-based catalysts have also been shown to be effective in pollutant degradation via Fenton-like reactions, including Ce-, Cr-, Cu-, Mn-, and Ni-based materials. This Special Issue will focus on experimental and theoretical investigations of novel heterogeneous Fenton catalysts with ideal properties, such as enhanced catalytic activities (nZVI), stability (MOF, supported catalysts), conductivity (carbon-based support), reusability (supported catalysts), and a wider pH range of activity (non-iron-based materials) compared to conventional heterogeneous Fenton catalysts.

Dr. Nasr Bensalah
Guest Editor

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