• • HEF operates effectively at neutral pH (e.g., pH 7) using solid catalysts like FeIIFeIII LDH on carbon felt, achieving efficient removal of ofloxacin, whereas classical Fenton requires pH 2.8–3.5, reducing operational costs and expanding applicable water matrices.
• • Bifunctional catalysts, such as graphene-based cathodes, simultaneously enhance 2e−ORR selectivity and H2O2 activation, achieving high degradation rates (e.g., >90% removal of textile dyes and antibiotics) with reduced metal leaching and improved electron efficiency.
• • Dual-cathode systems spatially separate H2O2 generation and activation, increasing reaction synergy and electron utilization efficiency, while lowering metal leaching and energy consumption compared to single-cathode configurations.
• • Coupling HEF with electro-oxidation, persulfate activation, or UV irradiation enhances mineralization efficiency (e.g., complete removal of pollutants) and reduces energy consumption, as demonstrated in studies with Fe/Fe3C@CNTs and CoFeCe-LDH cathodes.