Electrified water treatment: fundamentals and roles of electrode materials

Electrified processes are a versatile way of removing a wide range of contaminants from water, especially those that are difficult to treat using conventional methods. Electrified processes do not need treatment chemicals and use renewable energy more efficiently. In this Review, we present the fundamental principles of several electrified water treatment processes, discuss the crucial role of electrode materials in the interfacial processes that drive contaminant transport and transformation, and comprehensively review the state of knowledge in electrode material development. Further, we analyse the advantages and limitations of current and emerging electrode materials and discuss strategies for developing advanced electrode materials. Finally, we outline a path towards next-generation water and wastewater treatment systems based on electrified processes.