Recent Progress and Prospects in Catalytic Water Treatment

Presently, conventional technologies in water treatment are not efficient enough to completely mineralize refractory water contaminants. In this context, the implementation of catalytic processes could be an alternative. Despite the advantages provided in terms of kinetics of transformation, selectivity, and energy saving, numerous attempts have not yet led to implementation at an industrial scale. This review examines investigations at different scales for which controversies and limitations must be solved to bridge the gap between fundamentals and practical developments. Particular attention has been paid to the development of solar-driven catalytic technologies and some other emerging processes, such as microwave assisted catalysis, plasma-catalytic processes, or biocatalytic remediation, taking into account their specific advantages and the drawbacks. Challenges for which a better understanding related to the complexity of the systems and the coexistence of various solid-liquid-gas interfaces have been identified.

Automated summary

This review examines the use of catalytic processes in water treatment, exploring their advantages in terms of kinetics of transformation, selectivity, and energy saving. However, implementing these technologies at an industrial scale still faces controversies and limitations. The focus is on solar-driven catalytic technologies and other emerging processes, while also identifying the challenges involved, such as the complexity of systems and the coexistence of various interfaces.