Development in electrochemical technology for environmental wastewater treatment

Abstract

Electrochemical methods can enhance the rate and efficiency of environmental interface processes through the directional transfer and precise regulation of electrons. Its extraordinary characteristics and advantages can be applied in water treatment, which is an important technical means to crack water crisis and water pollution. In the past 10 years, electrochemical water treatment technology has been developed rapidly and tends towards electrode efficiency, process coupling as well as low carbon and green development. It will further focus on important directions such as functional electrode material design, high-efficiency reactor and combined process development, and directional transfer and recovery of resources and energy in the future. This review describes the current research status and practical applications of electrochemical technology in different kinds of wastewater treatment, while analyzing the basic working principles of different water treatment technologies of electrochemistry. Despite a generally environmentally friendly and efficient treatment method, electrochemistry as a water treatment technology still has certain drawbacks. This review suggests that future research should be strengthened regarding the reduction of energy consumption of the overall water treatment system, the overall system cost should be reduced based on various aspects of the application, and attempts should be made to combine the application with traditional processes.