Recent research progress of photoelectrocatalysis technology in the removal of organic pollutants from water

Organic pollutants, particularly persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and emerging contaminants, pose substantial risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health. Conventional water treatment methods, such as coagulation–sedimentation, filtration, and biological processes, often lack the adequate efficiency and selectivity to address these recalcitrant compounds. Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), which combines electrochemical and photochemical processes, has emerged as a highly effective technology for the oxidation degradation and mineralization of these recalcitrant pollutants, offering potentially a sustainable alternative for water and wastewater treatment. Recent advancements in PEC research have focused on developing novel electrode materials (e.g., Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for photoanodes) and the innovation of reactor configurations, primarily through laboratory studies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of PEC technology advancements, including its fundamental principles, representative photoelectrodes, and critical operational parameters that influence or govern performance. Most likely, integration of PEC with conventional treatment methods could enhance pollutant removal efficiency and environmental compatibility, broadening its practical applicability. Moreover, coupling of PEC with other advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) may present a transformative strategy for treating complex organic wastewater. Future research should emphasize incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar–powered PEC systems and the applying artificial intelligence for process optimization and efficiency enhancement. PEC technology demonstrates both high treatment efficiency and environmental sustainability, with potentially practical applicability. Future study should focus on scaling up to industrial applications while further exploring technical advancements. This innovative approach could advance water treatment methodologies and contribute substantially to environmental preservation and sustainable resource management.