Beyond Iron: Interface-Coupled Non-Ferrous Photo-Fenton-Like Catalysts for Boosted H₂O₂ Activation in Environmental Remediation

Abstract

The persistent presence of emerging pollutants, including antibiotics, dyes, and pharmaceutical residues in water environments, poses substantial environmental and public health risks.Conventional treatment approaches, such as Fe-based Fenton processes, are restricted by narrow pH requirements, excessive sludge formation, and poor utilization of visible light. In recent years, non-ferrous transition-metal-based catalysts, particularly those incorporating Cu, Co, Mn, Bi, and Ce, have emerged as promising alternatives due to their flexible redox chemistry, broader pH adaptability, and enhanced photo-assisted H₂O₂ activation. More importantly, interface engineering has been established as a pivotal strategy to amplify photo-Fenton-like performance by promoting interfacial charge separation, accelerating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and stabilizing metal redox cycling. Approaches involving semiconductor heterojunctions, carbonaceous frameworks, layered double hydroxides, defectrich architectures, and oxygen-vacancy modulation are systematically discussed. This review critically summarizes recent advances in the design, mechanistic understanding, and performance of interface-engineered non-ferrous photo-Fenton catalysts for environmental remediation. We focus on structure-activity relationships, synergistic effects, and pollutantspecific degradation pathways, while also addressing challenges and opportunities toward sustainable water remediation. Current challenges and future perspectives toward scalable, sustainable, and efficient Fenton-like systems are also outlined, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the rational development of next-generation Fenton-like systems beyond iron.