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Electrochemical and Photocatalytic-Based Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Emerging...
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Electrochemical and Photocatalytic-Based Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Emerging Contaminants

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 5571

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wei Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
Interests: water pollution control; environmental catalysis; environmental nano-functional materials; advanced oxidation technology
Dr. Ying Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
Interests: advanced oxidation; wastewater treatment; environmental nanomaterials; nanomaterial toxicity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the urgent need for novel clean energy, electrochemical and photocatalytic technologies have been extensively employed in energy conversion, environmental governance, and other fields, providing strong technical support for the new energy industry and environmental protection industry; these technologies have also provided new opportunities for the innovative development of materials. In recent years, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have led to innovative research on novel materials and reactions, playing a significant role in energy conversion, organic synthesis, environmental remediation and the treatment of emerging contaminants.

This Special Issue, entitled “Electrochemical and Photocatalytic-Based Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Emerging Contaminants”, seeks high-quality papers focusing on the latest advances in electrochemical and photocatalytic technologies for the treatment of emerging contaminants. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Theory and mechanism of photocatalysis/electrocatalysis
  • Design, analysis, control, optimization or operation of photocatalysis/electrocatalysis system.
  • Treat of environmental emerging contaminants
  • Research on advanced oxidation technology
  • Catalytic materials and performance application
  • Conservation of renewable energy
  • Development and application of photocatalysis/electrocatalysis in industry

Thank you. I hope you consider participating in this Special Issue.

Sincerely,

Dr. Wei Wang
Dr. Ying Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • electrocatalysis
  • photocatalysis
  • photoelectrocatalysis
  • advanced oxidation process
  • energy system
  • environmental functional materials
  • emerging contaminants
  • degradation technologies

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4894 KiB  
Article
Electro-Fenton Process at Semi-Pilot Scale: A Study to Enhance Bisphenol A Biodegradability
by Ayman Chmayssem, Ghaya AlChoubassi, Samir Taha and Didier Hauchard
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091850 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1373
Abstract
In this study, we report the development of an electro-Fenton (EF) process at a semi-pilot scale plant using an open undivided electrochemical reactor design. To do so, a series of three-dimensional (3D) cathodes constituted of packed and fixed beds of glassy carbon pellets [...] Read more.
In this study, we report the development of an electro-Fenton (EF) process at a semi-pilot scale plant using an open undivided electrochemical reactor design. To do so, a series of three-dimensional (3D) cathodes constituted of packed and fixed beds of glassy carbon pellets and dimensionally stable anodes (DSAs) were employed. To highlight the treatment efficiency of the EF process, bisphenol A (BPA), which is known to be a persistent molecule, was used as the model molecule. First, the applied current intensity was studied and optimized to determine the limiting current of the O2 reduction under hydrodynamic conditions of 0.6 m3·h−1. The limiting current intensity under hydrodynamic conditions corresponding to 10 L·min−1 (600 L/h) was determined to be near 17.5 A (0.51 A/100 g of glassy carbon pellets). Then, the effect of the number of cathodes on the removal efficiency of BPA versus the time of the electro-Fenton treatment was investigated. The value of Kapp in the typical reactor configuration was found to be 0.076 min−1. Many parameters were carried out using the EF reactor, i.e., the effect of the initial pollutant concentration as well as the effect of the treatment flow rate. The obtained results demonstrate that the degradation efficiency of BPA increases as the number of cathodes increases and the pollution charge decreases. Only a few seconds of treatment by EF process were needed to eliminate BPA from the dilute solutions (≤10 mg·L−1). The biodegradability of the treated solution and its mineralization were also investigated by referring to the measurements of COD, TOC, and BOD5. Finally, strategy of scaling-up the reactor design to an industrial pilot plant is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical and Photocatalytic-Based Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Emerging Contaminants)
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17 pages, 8170 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Integrated Material with Activation and Oxidation Functions by Mechanical Milling of Activated Carbon and Persulfate for Enhanced Tetracycline Degradation over Non-Radical Mechanism
by Peng Tan, Nuo Meng, Xuxin Cao, Xiguo Zhang, Yuanyuan Huang, Tielong Li and Wei Wang
Processes 2024, 12(4), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040672 - 27 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1383
Abstract
As an alternative to the traditional advanced oxidation process of adding potassium persulfate (PS) and its activator to the solution separately, in this study, M(AC-PS), an integrated activator and catalyst, was synthesized by vacuum ball milling of PS and activated carbon (AC) to [...] Read more.
As an alternative to the traditional advanced oxidation process of adding potassium persulfate (PS) and its activator to the solution separately, in this study, M(AC-PS), an integrated activator and catalyst, was synthesized by vacuum ball milling of PS and activated carbon (AC) to improve the PS’s utilization efficiency. The joint mechanical milling caused a change in the preferentially exposed crystal surface of the PS and the generation of more π-π* structures on the AC, leading to successful and stable connection of the PS onto the surface of the AC. Within 40 min, the M(AC-PS) achieved a degradation rate of 97.3% for tetracycline (TC, 20 mg/L), while the mixed system where AC and PS were separately ball milled achieved only a 53.1% removal of TC. Reactive oxygen species and electrochemical tests showed that M(AC-PS) mainly oxidized TC through non-free radical mechanisms. In M(AC-PS), AC provided oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., C=O) to activate the PS and electron holes as an electron transfer medium, generating 1O2 and promoting electron donation from the TC to enhance the oxidation of the TC. Almost no catalytic components were detected in the solution, indicating that the obtained solid composite material avoids the limitations of solid–liquid interface contact and mass transfer, and then improves the efficiency of activation and catalysis. This study presents a simple and feasible method for obtaining efficient and convenient material for the advanced oxidation treatment of wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical and Photocatalytic-Based Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Emerging Contaminants)
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Review

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33 pages, 10085 KiB  
Review
Graphene and Cerium Oxide Nanocomposites: Pioneering Photocatalysts for Organic Dye Degradation from Wastewater
by Lakshita Phor, Rinku Kumar, Virat Khanna, Soumya V. Menon, Amanvir Singh, Milan Singh, Amanpreet Singh, Jaideep Malik and Surjeet Chahal
Processes 2025, 13(3), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030720 - 2 Mar 2025
Viewed by 810
Abstract
The pressing need to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment is underscored by the significant threat that water pollution poses to human health and environmental stability. Among current remediation techniques, photocatalysis has emerged as a promising approach due to its reliance on advanced [...] Read more.
The pressing need to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment is underscored by the significant threat that water pollution poses to human health and environmental stability. Among current remediation techniques, photocatalysis has emerged as a promising approach due to its reliance on advanced material properties. Cerium oxide’s tunable bandgap and defect engineering, combined with graphene’s high surface area, conductivity, and functionalization, synergistically enhance photocatalytic performance. This makes CeO2-graphene composites highly promising for environmental remediation applications. This review paper systematically examines water pollution challenges and evaluates existing treatment methodologies, with a particular emphasis on CeO2-based photocatalysts modified with graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). These composites demonstrate potential for superior photocatalytic performance and reactor design. Key issues, including environmental impact, stability, reusability, and compatibility of these materials with evolving technologies, are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, considerations for scaling production and commercializing these composites are addressed, suggesting avenues for future research and industrial applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic effects of CeO2 and graphene-based materials, opening new possibilities for advanced clean water treatment technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical and Photocatalytic-Based Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Emerging Contaminants)
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26 pages, 3240 KiB  
Review
Recent Trends in the Application of Photocatalytic Membranes in Removal of Emerging Organic Contaminants in Wastewater
by Kipchumba Nelson, Achisa C. Mecha, Humphrey Mutuma Samuel and Zeinab A. Suliman
Processes 2025, 13(1), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010163 - 9 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1364
Abstract
Increasing water pollution by bio-recalcitrant contaminants necessitates the use of robust treatment methods. Individual treatment methods are not effective against these emerging organic pollutants due to their stability in the environment. This has necessitated the use of advanced integrated systems such as photocatalytic [...] Read more.
Increasing water pollution by bio-recalcitrant contaminants necessitates the use of robust treatment methods. Individual treatment methods are not effective against these emerging organic pollutants due to their stability in the environment. This has necessitated the use of advanced integrated systems such as photocatalytic membranes. Synergy in the reactive photocatalytic membranes effectively degrades the emerging organic pollutants. This review presents the state of the art in the synthesis and application of photocatalytic membranes in water and wastewater treatment. The study critically evaluates pertinent aspects required to improve the performance of photocatalytic membranes, such as tailored material synthesis, membrane fouling control, improved photocatalyst light absorption, use of visible light from sunlight, enhanced reaction kinetics through synergy, and regeneration and reuse. Previous studies report on the effectiveness of photocatalytic membranes in the removal of organic contaminants in synthetic and actual wastewater. As such, they show great potential in wastewater decontamination; however, they also face limitations that need to be addressed. The review identifies the challenges and provides a way forward in increasing the photoactivity of titanium oxide, fouling mitigation, scalability, improving cost effectiveness, enhancing membrane stability, and other aspects relevant in scaling up efforts from the lab scale to industrial scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical and Photocatalytic-Based Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Emerging Contaminants)
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