A review of redox-active polymers for selective electrochemical removal of uncharged organic pollutants from water

Abstract

The removal of uncharged organic pollutants (UOCs) from water is critical due to their widespread occurrence, persistence, and risks to ecosystems and human health, despite trace concentrations. Conventional methods struggle with UOCs’ near-neutral charge, hydrophobicity, and low reactivity. This review highlights redox-active polymers (RAPs) as a transformative solution for their selective electrochemical removal. We systematically analyze advancements in RAPs-based electrochemical technologies, focusing on molecular selectivity mechanisms (e.g., supramolecular recognition, π-π interactions) and potential-controlled adsorption enabled by tailored electrode interfaces. A critical discussion on RAPs synthesis (e.g., electropolymerization, nanocomposite design) and applications—particularly N-oxyl compounds like TEMPO—reveals their unique redox-switchable properties for targeted pollutant capture. Notably, this work presents an innovative perspective by integrating cutting-edge molecular-level insights with scalable, energy-efficient electrochemical systems for water purification. Finally, we outline future directions for scalable RAPs systems, bridging molecular-level precision with energy-efficient water treatment. This review provides both theoretical foundations and actionable guidelines for advancing next-generation electrochemical remediation technologies.