Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): Emerging Materials for Environmental Remediation

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 800

Special Issue Editors

School of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China
Interests: advanced oxidation processes; high-valent metal species; photocatalysis; wastewater treatment; organic pollutant degradation
College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China
Interests: advanced oxidation; nanomaterial; Fenton/Fenton-like; wastewater treatment; organic pollutant degradation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The persistent release of hazardous pollutants into ecosystems demands innovative remediation strategies. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) leveraging emerging materials have emerged as a transformative approach, offering high efficiency, scalability, and specificity in degrading refractory contaminants. This Special Issue highlights cutting-edge research on emerging materials-enhanced AOPs, focusing on novel synthesis, mechanistic insights, and applications in water, air, and soil remediation. We invite original research, reviews, and communications addressing the following:

  • Design and optimization of emerging materials for AOPs;
  • Mechanistic studies of reactive species generation and pollutant degradation;
  • Scalability and environmental toxicology of emerging materials;
  • Hybrid systems integrating AOPs with other technologies.

Contributions should advance our fundamental understanding or the practical deployment of these systems, bridging gaps between laboratory innovation and real-world environmental solutions. Submissions must adhere to the rigorous scientific standards of Toxics. For inquiries, contact the Editorial Office.

Dr. Haoyu Luo
Dr. Chun Xiao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)
  • environmental catalysis
  • nanomaterials
  • water treatment
  • reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • photocatalysis
  • catalyzed ozone
  • refractory pollutants

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4724 KB  
Article
Copper-Based MOF-Derived Core–Shell Materials via N/P/S Ternary Doping for Peroxymonosulfate Activation: Efficient Degradation and Removal of Sulfamethazine
by Haiyang Zhou, Zhijing Zhang, Shan Zhang, Xiaofeng Wu, Haitao Li, Yong Qiu and Lichao Nengzi
Toxics 2025, 13(12), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13121023 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 516
Abstract
Sulfamethazine (SMT) contamination in aquatic environments and its propensity to induce antibiotic resistance pose critical risks to ecosystems and public health, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Here, we develop a MOF-derived copper core–shell activator, Cu-MOFs400@PSN, by coating a calcined Cu-MOF derivative (Cu-MOFs400) with a [...] Read more.
Sulfamethazine (SMT) contamination in aquatic environments and its propensity to induce antibiotic resistance pose critical risks to ecosystems and public health, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Here, we develop a MOF-derived copper core–shell activator, Cu-MOFs400@PSN, by coating a calcined Cu-MOF derivative (Cu-MOFs400) with a nitrogen/phosphorus/sulfur-doped shell and systematically evaluate its peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation performance toward SMT degradation. Comprehensive characterization confirms successful N/P/S incorporation and the formation of a smooth spherical core–shell architecture that enhances chemical stability; the Cu-MOFs400@PSN/PMS system achieves complete SMT removal within 120 min and maintains 99.33% efficiency after five reuse cycles. Bicarbonate markedly promotes degradation, whereas chloride, nitrate, and phosphate exert negligible interference, indicating strong tolerance to common background ions. Radical-quenching tests identify singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide (•O2) as the dominant reactive species, with minor contributions from sulfate and hydroxyl radicals; the system facilitates complete SMT mineralization and reduces resistance-inducing intermediates. These results highlight Cu-MOFs400@PSN as a robust and reusable PMS activator for practical remediation of SMT-contaminated waters and mitigation of antibiotic-resistance risks. Full article
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Review

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37 pages, 3232 KB  
Review
Unlocking the Oxidative Performance of Peracetic Acid: A Comprehensive Review of Activation Pathways and Mechanisms for Environmental Remediation
by Chun Xiao, Lihong Ai, Jinxi Chen, Wu Ren, Jinran Feng, Yue Lu, Yaoyao Chen, Yunxiu Luo, Xindong Yang, Min Dai, Jiangfei Cao, Jianqiao Qin and Chunsheng Xie
Toxics 2026, 14(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010006 (registering DOI) - 19 Dec 2025
Abstract
The activation of peracetic acid (PAA) to generate highly reactive species has emerged as a promising advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the degradation of refractory organic pollutants. This review systematically summarizes the recent advancements in PAA-based AOPs, encompassing various activation strategies, underlying reaction [...] Read more.
The activation of peracetic acid (PAA) to generate highly reactive species has emerged as a promising advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the degradation of refractory organic pollutants. This review systematically summarizes the recent advancements in PAA-based AOPs, encompassing various activation strategies, underlying reaction mechanisms, and applications across different environmental matrices. The activation methods are critically discussed, including direct energy activation, homogeneous catalysis, and heterogeneous catalysis. The generation process of diverse reactive species, like hydroxyl radicals (HO·), organic radicals (CH3C(O)O·, CH3C(O)OO·), and singlet oxygen (1O2), was introduced, and their oxidation selectivity and anti-interference ability were compared. Furthermore, the practical applications of PAA-based AOPs in treating wastewater, groundwater, and contaminated soil/sediments are reviewed. Finally, this review outlines critical challenges, including potential toxic byproduct formation, catalyst stability, and economic feasibility, and proposes future research directions to facilitate the transition of PAA-based AOPs from laboratory-scale research to full-scale implementation. This review provides insights for developing efficient, selective, and sustainable oxidation technologies, thereby contributing to the mitigation of emerging contaminant threats and the advancement of environmental remediation practices. Full article
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