Photo-Fenton Catalysis for Organic Pollutant Degradation

Photo-Fenton catalysis harnesses the synergistic effects of iron-mediated Fenton chemistry and photoactivation to generate highly reactive oxygen species capable of oxidising a broad range of organic contaminants in water. In a typical process, Fe2+ ions react with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH), while concurrent irradiation with ultraviolet or visible light accelerates the regeneration of Fe2+ from Fe3+ and promotes additional radical generation. This dual homogeneous–heterogeneous approach offers rapid degradation kinetics, the potential for solar-driven operation and adaptability to diverse water matrices. Recent advances have centred on overcoming limitations such as narrow pH windows, iron leaching and recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Strategies include immobilising iron species on robust supports, engineering nanoscale heterojunctions to enhance light absorption and charge separation, and optimising H2O2 dosing. The result is a suite of catalysts that combine high activity with ease of recovery, broad pH tolerance and compatibility with real wastewater streams, paving the way towards sustainable, scalable remediation technologies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

One foundational study introduced ultrafine amorphous iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles anchored onto graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets. The intimate heterojunction interfaces and narrow bandgap of the composite enable efficient visible-light harvesting and rapid charge separation. Under simulated solar illumination, the hybrid catalyst achieved degradation rates of common dyes that were nearly twenty times higher than those of pristine carbon nitride. Enhanced adsorption of pollutants at defect-rich sites, coupled with continuous Fe2+/Fe3+ cycling driven by photoexcited electrons, underpinned the marked increase in hydroxyl-radical formation. Stability tests further demonstrated minimal iron leaching and retention of activity over multiple cycles, highlighting the potential for durable heterogeneous photo-Fenton systems.

Photo-Fenton Catalysis for Organic Pollutant Degradation publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in photo-fenton catalysis for organic pollutant degradation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Photo-Fenton catalysis: An advanced oxidation process combining light irradiation with the classical Fenton reaction to generate hydroxyl radicals.

Hydroxyl radical (•OH): A highly reactive oxygen species responsible for non-selective oxidation of organic compounds.

Heterojunction: An interface between two semiconductor materials that facilitates charge separation and transfer.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4): A metal-free photocatalyst with a layered structure and tunable electronic properties.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen, including hydroxyl, superoxide and singlet oxygen species.

References

1. Functional Carbon Nitride Materials in Photo‐Fenton‐Like Catalysis for Environmental Remediation. Advanced Functional Materials (2022).
2. Constructing the novel ultrafine amorphous iron oxyhydroxide/g-C3N4 nanosheets heterojunctions for highly improved photocatalytic performance. Scientific Reports (2017).
3. Porous Iron Oxide Core–Gold Satellite Nanocomposite: A Cost‐Effective and Recyclable Solution for Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment. Small Science (2023).
4. High-Efficiency Photo-Fenton-like Catalyst of FeOOH/g-C3N4 for the Degradation of PNP: Characterization, Catalytic Performance and Mechanism Exploration. Molecules (2024).