Development of strategies for persulfate activation with cerium-based catalysts for environmental applications: A review

Abstract

Advanced oxidation processes utilizing sulfate radicals have attracted growing interest in recent years as a clean and efficient method for breaking down organic pollutants. Cerium is widely recognized for its reversible redox reaction involving Ce(III) and Ce(IV) species. This distinctive characteristic enhances the breakdown of organic pollutants by persulfate, a chemical that contains sulfate radical species, through the release of oxygen and the formation of oxygen vacancies within its structure. Multiple strategies have been employed to improve the effectiveness of persulfate activation and the degradation of organic compounds. This review uniquely focuses on cerium-based catalysts, addressing their underexplored potential in persulfate activation. It offers a comprehensive summary of design strategies, elucidates the synergistic mechanisms between Ce ions, support materials, and persulfate, and systematically evaluates their applications. Economical feasibility was also analyzed as well as providing actionable recommendations to advance catalysts research and implementation in environmental treatment.