Recent Progress in Sustainable Electrosynthesis of Chlorine-Based Disinfectants and Derivatives: From Catalyst Design to Coupling Strategies

Abstract

Electrochemical synthesis of active chlorine (AC) has emerged as a sustainable and effective strategy for advanced wastewater treatment, due to its on-site generation, reagent-free operation, and strong oxidative capability. The core of this process lies in the chlorine evolution reaction (CER), a kinetically favorable anodic reaction in saline and chloride-containing waters. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in CER electrocatalyst designs, system integration, and reactor architecture innovations. In the end, we briefly outline prospective directions for CER, focusing on strategies to enhance selectivity, system performance, and economic implications toward sustainable chlorine-based electrochemical applications.