Applying molecular oxygen for organic pollutant degradation: Strategies, mechanisms, and perspectives

Molecular oxygen(O_(2))is an environmentally friendly,cost-effective,and non-toxic oxidant.Activation of O_(2) generates various highly oxidative reactive oxygen species(ROS),which efficiently degrade pollutants with minimal environmental impact.Despite extensive research on the application of O_(2) activation in environmental remediation,a comprehensive review addressing this topic is currently lacking.This review provides an informative overview of recent advancements in O_(2) activation,focusing on three primary strategies:photocatalytic activation,chemical activation,and electrochemical activation of O_(2).We elucidate the respective mechanisms of these activation methods and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.Additionally,we thoroughly analyze the influence of oxygen supply,reactive temperature,and pH on the O_(2) activation process.From electron transfer and energy transfer perspectives,we explore the pathways for ROS generation during O_(2) activation.Finally,we address the challenges faced by researchers in this field and discuss future prospects for utilizing O_(2) activation in pollution control applications.This detailed analysis enhances our understanding and provides valuable insights for the practical implementation of organic pollutant degradation.