Cu(II)-mediated homogeneous advanced oxidation processes: Characteristics, identification, and environmental applications of Cu(III)

Abstract

In the field of environmental remediation, significant attention has been directed toward degradation-efficient and condition-mild wastewater treatment technologies. Cu(II)-mediated homogeneous advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as promising technologies, given the ubiquity of Cu(II) in actual wastewater. An in-depth understanding of these processes is essential for the further development. In this review, recent advances on Cu(II)-mediated H₂O₂/peroxymonosulfate/peroxydisulfate catalytic systems are critically reviewed, with an emphasis on the characteristics, identification and environmental applications of trivalent copper (Cu(III)). Unlike conventional reactive oxygen species (e.g., ·OH or SO₄·⁻), Cu(III) exhibits exceptional redox properties, including high selectivity and robust anti-interference capacity, enabling precise pollutant degradation even in complex wastewater matrices. Finally, the drawbacks and challenges of current techniques for Cu(III) identification and application are discussed, along with the future perspectives in the development of identification and implication strategies for Cu(III). This review is anticipated to offer fundamental insights into the characteristics and applications of Cu(III).