Review on electrochemical processes for the treatment of heavy metal complexes in wastewater: Performance, mechanism, application and improvement

Abstract

Wastewater containing heavy metal ions poses a threat to ecosystems and human health due to their toxicity and bio-accumulative nature. The complexation with organic legends makes them more difficult to remove. Electrochemical technologies are powerful and environmentally friendly for the simultaneous removal of organics and recycling of heavy metals. In this review, the mechanisms and influencing factors of techniques such as electrodeposition, electrocoagulation, three-dimensional electrochemical process, and electro-Fenton process are discussed in detail. Finally, the problems and challenges faced in the practical application of electrochemistry are analyzed. The development of electrochemical technology is expected to address future research challenges.