Review on treating refractory, organics-laden wastewater using three-dimensional electrochemical reactor

Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) can effectively eliminate organic pollutants using the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by electrode reactions. Three-dimensional electrochemical reactors (3DERs) are the research frontier of EAOPs. They have higher catalytic activity and lower energy consumption than conventional electrochemical reactors. This mini-review on 3DERs includes their structures, reaction mechanisms, and applications in treating refractory organic wastewater. Developing the preparation techniques for highly efficient particle electrodes (PEs), the core of 3DER, is essential to constructing a high-performance 3DER. This study introduces the characteristics and main preparation methods of carbon-based, metal-based, and composite PEs materials in detail, the applications in refractory organic wastewater treatment are summarized, and the research direction of 3DER in the future is prospected. Our findings could aid new approaches to constructing more efficient 3DERs.