Advancements in Copper-Based Catalysts for Efficient Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species from Peroxymonosulfate

Over the past few decades, peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-driven advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have garnered substantial interest in the field of organic decontamination. The copper (Cu)/PMS system is intriguing due to its diverse activation pathways and has been extensively employed for the clearance of refractory organic pollutants in water. This article is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in Cu-based catalysts such as single-metal and mixed-metal catalysts aimed at treating recalcitrant pollutants, highlighting PMS activation. Subsequently, investigative methodologies for assessing PMS activation with copper-based catalysts are reviewed and summarized. Then, the implications of pH, PMS and catalytic agent concentrations, anions, and natural organic matter are also addressed. The combination of Cu-based catalyst/PMS systems with other advanced oxidation technologies is also discussed. Following that, the degradation mechanisms in the Cu-based catalyst-activated PMS system are considered and synopsized. Lastly, potential future research avenues are proposed to enhance the technology and offer support for developing of economically viable materials based on copper for activating PMS.