An overview of chelate modified electro-Fenton processes

Electro-Fenton (EF) process is considered as an efficient technique for removing recalcitrant organic pollutants from wastewater. To overcome the major drawback of low pH requirements in the classical Fenton process, then, chelating agents are introduced into the system which are capable of forming complexes with Fe3+/Fe2+, thereby enhancing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at circumneutral pH conditions. In this review, the basic mechanisms of EF process with chelating agents and their recent applications for removing various organic pollutants are discussed in detail. Also, the applications of chelating agents in the Fenton processes are reviewed. Further, the recent improvements in the electrochemical systems are also discussed.