Single-site catalysis in heterogeneous electro-Fenton reaction for wastewater remediation

The heterogeneous electro-Fenton (Hetero-EF) system is characterized by in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Then, the hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) formed by activization of H₂O₂ can strongly oxidize and mineralize pollutants in wastewater. Single-site heterogeneous catalysts (SSHCs) have the essence of isolated active single sites anchored on and coordinated with the atoms of a suitable substrate. They can bridge the understanding and performance gaps between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, guiding the rational design of next-generation catalysts. They also provide a feasible approach to adjusting the catalytic activity and selectivity of a particular reaction, showing great potential for high Hetero-EF catalysis. However, the research on SSHCs as Hetero-EF catalysts is still in its infancy. More exploration and a universal principle for SSHC design are needed. Here, design principles of high-performance SSHCs toward electro-Fenton field are proposed, aiming to provide general guidance toward development of high-performance SSHCs in Hetero-EF.