Fenton-like Nanocatalysts for Water Purification

Abstract

Fenton reactions working as one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are among the most popular for water purification and reuse technologies. However, many deficiencies, such as strict pH conditions and iron sludge, restrict the promotion and engineering of the Fenton treatment. In recent years, the booming development of Fenton-like catalytic processes has improved many shortcomings of the traditional Fenton technology, yet it still cannot overcome the limitations, e.g., speed limiting steps, in the Fenton reaction principle. This chapter first introduces the chemical principles of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions. Next, typical Fenton-like nanocatalysts are summarized, followed by some new designs of Fenton-like nanomaterials based on surface reactions. Finally, the hybrid process between Fenton treatment and AOPs is discussed. Prospects and guidelines of Fenton-like research are put forward in the last section. We hope that this review can provide a fundamental basis for novel Fenton-like catalysis design and cast a beam of light into its future research.