Application of biochar in electro-Fenton process: Advantages and recent advancements

Abstract

The electro-Fenton (EF) process is a well-known electrochemical advanced oxidation process that produces highly active hydroxyl radicals via the externally added catalytic amount of iron catalyst and in-situ generated hydrogen peroxide. The performance of the EF process depends on the choice of catalyst and the cathode. Biochar, an economically viable carbon-rich material derived from locally available biomass, presents a promising option for both catalyst support and cathode materials. The heterogeneous EF process using biochar-based catalyst has several advantages over the conventional EF process, including enhanced efficiency, declined iron leaching, surface-predominated radical generation, and pollutant degradation even in neutral pH conditions. Moreover, biochar demonstrates the capacity to generate a significant amount of hydrogen peroxide and regenerate ferrous ions rapidly. Additionally, biochar has a high adsorption capacity for many organic pollutants and ensures the contaminants' proximity and generated reactive species when applied as supports, catalysts, or electrodes in EF and related processes. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive review of the significant advancements and advantages of the applications of biochar in the EF process, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment methodologies.