State-of-the-art review and bibliometric analysis on electro-Fenton process

The electro-Fenton (EF) process was first proposed in 1996 and, since then, considerable development has been achieved for its application in wastewater treatment, especially at lab and pilot scale. After more than 25 years, the high efficiency, versatility and environmental compatibility of EF process has been demonstrated. In this review, bibliometrics has been adopted as a tool that allows quantifying the development of EF as well as introducing some useful correlations. As a result, information is summarized in a more visual manner that can be easily analyzed and interpreted as compared to conventional reviewing. During the recent decades under review, 83 countries have contributed to the dramatic growth of EF publications, with China, Spain and France leading the publication output. The top 12 most cited articles, along with the top 32 most productive authors in the EF field, have been screened. Four stages have been identified as main descriptors of the development of EF throughout these years, being each stage characterized by relevant breakthroughs. To conclude, a general cognitive model for the EF process is proposed, including atomic, microscopic and macroscopic views, and future perspectives are discussed. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The electro-Fenton (EF) process has made significant progress and application in wastewater treatment, particularly at lab and pilot scale, over the past 25 years. This review uses bibliometrics as a tool to quantify the development of EF and introduces useful correlations, summarizing information in a more visual manner for easier analysis and interpretation. China, Spain, and France are the leading countries in terms of publication output, with 83 countries contributing to the growth of EF publications.