Research Progress on Heterogeneous Fenton Technology Based on Carbon/Iron-Based Catalysts and Physical Field-Assisted Systems
Heterogeneous Fenton technology employs solid catalysts to activate H2O2, generating hydroxyl radicals (·OH) that oxidatively degrade organic pollutants. Among reported catalysts, iron-based materials are most prevalent but suffer from insufficient active sites and sluggish Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycling. Compositing iron with carbon materials increases active site density and accelerates Fe(II) regeneration, thereby enhancing catalytic efficiency. This review summarizes recent advances in carbon/iron-based heterogeneous Fenton catalysts, analyzing reaction mechanisms and characteristics for organic pollutant removal. It also discusses external energy field-assisted strategies (e.g., photo-, electro-, and ultrasound-assisted) that augment reaction kinetics. The paper concludes with perspectives on future development of carbon/iron-based Fenton-like materials, emphasizing the need for scalable synthesis and mechanistic elucidation. Key challenges include maintaining stability under continuous operation and achieving cost-effective production. The review highlights that carbon/iron composites with optimized interfacial properties can significantly improve H2O2 utilization and broaden pH applicability, addressing limitations of conventional Fenton processes. Future research directions include designing catalysts with tailored porosity and surface functionality, and integrating physical fields to synergistically enhance pollutant mineralization.