Recent progress of photoelectrocatalysis systems for wastewater treatment

The rate of low-carbon water pollution treatment technology closely tracks the ongoing promotion of the “dual carbon” targets. Given its low carbon, energy savings, high efficiency, and no secondary pollution, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) technology has emerged as the most promising strategy for controlling large-scale water pollution. This review summarizes the progress of PEC system in water pollution control in recent years. Firstly, three typical PEC systems and their operating mechanisms are described, and representative photoanode, photocathode and counter electrode materials are summarized according to different electrode functions. Meanwhile, the effects of electrolyte and applied bias voltage on the performance of PEC system are discussed. Then, the progresses of PEC system in the treatment of dyes, drugs, heavy metal ions and organic-inorganic compound pollution and energy production are analyzed in detail. Finally, in order to make full use of the application potential of PEC system in wastewater treatment, the prospects and challenges for the future development of PEC are proposed from the perspective of carbon neutralization.