Photoelectrocatalysis as a high-efficiency platform for pulping wastewater treatment and energy production

Abstract

Among the diverse wastewater treatment routes, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) developed by hybridization of photocatalyst with electrocatalyst has been demonstrated for a high potential in waste-to-energy applications. Here, we provide a comprehensive review to assess the technical readiness level of PEC techniques for both wastewater treatment and energy recovery, with a particular emphasis on the pulp and paper (P&P) industry. The effects of various experminetal parameters (e.g., electrode materials, reactor types, and experimental conditions) on the removal of organic pollutants from P&P effluents with the simultaneous recovery of energy (e.g., H₂ and H₂O₂) have been evaluated in relation to the PEC performance metrics (e.g., quantum yield (QY), space-time yield (STY), and figure of merit (FoM) metrics). Critical challenges in the augmentation of PEC are also summarized in terms of cost analysis, energy consumption, and durability. At last, future research prospects of the PEC system under the real-world conditions are discussed.