(2021) Chemical Engineering Journal_Photoelectrocatalysis as a high-efficiency platform for pulping wastewater treatment and energy production

Rajput H., Kwon E.E., Younis S.A., Weon S., Jeon T.H., Choi W., Kim K.-H.

(Elsevier B.V.) Chemical Engineering Journal ISSN: 13858947 Vol.412 Issue. Article No.128612 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.128612

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. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.

HR is thankful for the grant received from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India (No. 09/677(0026)/2016 EMR-I). KHK acknowledges the support made by a grant from the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (Grant No: 2016R1E1A1A01940995).