Reactive Materials and Solutions Towards Treatment and Reuse of Waters with Contaminants of Emerging Concern

Intense population growth has significantly impacted the quality and access to water, resulting in increased production and release of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as pharmaceutical compounds. Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) is a promising technology for the removal of CECs that relies on the use of solid catalysts to accelerate the reaction, its reactivity and stability depending greatly on the catalyst used. This work aims to compare three typically studied catalysts: a clay-based, a carbon-based and a hybrid material, consisting in carbon-shell metal nanoparticle structure. Hybrid catalysts combine the benefits of metal-based catalysts (high activity) and carbon-based catalysts (low leaching), indicating to be a suitable choice. However, it is highlighted that the development of proper solutions for treatment and reuse of waters must pass through detailed identification and quantification of CECs, allowing better catalyst evaluations under real scenario conditions.