Organic cocatalysts improved Fenton and Fenton-like processes for water pollution control: A review

In recent times, organic compounds have been extensively utilized to mitigate the limitations associated with Fe(Ⅲ) reduction and the narrow pH range in Fenton and Fenton-like processes, which have garnered considerable attention in relevant studies. This review presents the latest advancements in the comprehensive analysis and applications of organic agents as assistant/cocatalysts during Fenton/Fenton-like reactions for water pollution control. The primary focus includes the following: Firstly, the mechanism of organic co-catalytic reactions is introduced, encompassing both complexation and reduction aspects. Secondly, these organic compounds are classified into distinct categories based on their functional group structures and applications, namely polycarboxylates, aminopolycarboxylic acids, quinones, phenolic acids, humic substances, and sulfhydryl compounds, and their co-catalytic functions and mechanisms of each category are discussed in meticulous detail. Thirdly, a comprehensive comparison is conducted among various types of organic cocatalysts, considering their relative merits, cost implications, toxicity, and other pertinent factors. Finally, the review concludes by addressing the universal challenges and development prospects associated with organic co-catalytic systems. The overarching objective of this review is to provide insights into potential avenues for the future advancement of organic co-catalytic Fenton/Fenton-like reactions in the context of water purification. [Display omitted] •Latest progress of organic assisted Fenton/Fenton-like systems are reviewed.•The organic co-catalysis mechanism was summarized from complexation and reduction.•The organic cocatalyst per category of function and mechanism were discussed.•The challenges and development prospect of organic co-catalytic systems were proposed.