Carbocatalytic ozonation toward advanced water purification

Abstract

Carbon-based catalytic ozonation is state-of-the-art technology with high oxidation capabilities for wastewater remediation, taking advantage of the synergies of direct ozone oxidation and the generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Replacing metal-based materials with active and robust carbonaceous catalysts in catalytic ozonation will lead to outperformed catalytic performance, minimized operational cost, and no secondary contamination. Additionally, the variety of allotropes and maneuverable surface chemistry of carbons facilitate structural and surface engineering, which enables the regulation of reactivity, stability and reaction pathways. This review summarizes the recent development of structural control and surface modification of carbocatalysts and their applications in catalytic ozonation. The structure–performance relations and mechanisms are elucidated by a novel model based on the interaction intensity between reactants and carbon surface. Meanwhile, influences of the water matrix parameters on the catalytic system are unveiled. Finally, we provide directions to the rational design of reaction-oriented carbocatalysts, the methodology for mechanistic explorations, and the implementation of ozone-based AOPs in real wastewater treatment.