Engineering carbon nanocatalysts towards efficient degradation of emerging organic contaminants via persulfate activation: A review

The engineering of carbon nanocatalysts for the persulfate activated elimination of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) demonstrates promising potential compared with metal-based counterparts due to their unique advantage of high stability and low toxicity. The early reviews introduced the theoretical background of persulfate activation together with a detailed summary of different mechanisms responsible for degradation of EOCs. To further unify the state of knowledge, identify the research gaps, and prompt new research in this area, we present a thorough review on current trends in research on metal-free carbon nanocatalysts (e.g., OD nanodiamond, 1D carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers, 2D graphene and graphitic carbon nitride, and 3D carbon nanocatalysts), with emphasis on their applications in persulfate activation and EOCs decontamination. We also discuss the current challenges and future perspectives in practically relevant applications. Last, we highlight that the development of sustainable carbon nanocatalysts/persulfate systems lies at the interface of multiple disciplines, which calls for future in-depth interdisciplinary collaborations. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

This article provides a comprehensive review of the engineering of carbon nanocatalysts for the persulfate activated elimination of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs). The review highlights the advantages of carbon nanocatalysts, such as high stability and low toxicity, compared to metal-based counterparts. Current trends, applications, challenges, and future perspectives in this area are discussed, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaborations.