Layered double hydroxides as sustainable catalysts in electrocatalytic processes for water treatment: Advances, mechanisms, and future perspectives

As anthropogenic activities continue to expand, so does the variety of pollutants encountered in water resources. These pollutants have emerged as a pervasive challenge to conventional wastewater treatment methods. The incapabilities of existing wastewater treatment systems necessitate exploring advanced and sustainable technologies. In this regard, electrocatalytic wastewater treatment processes have shown their potential to effectively eliminate these resistant pollutants. This review provides an exploration of the integration of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in electrocatalytic processes for water treatment. LDHs were categorized based on their spatial deployment within the electrochemical process (either suspended in the solution or loaded onto the cathode) and the attached to supporting substrates utilized. Various synthesis methods were presented for LDHs or LDHs-based electrodes and their subsequent integration into electrochemical systems. Catalytic efficiencies and mechanisms of electrocatalytic treatment by LDHs were investigated. Finally, the concluding remarks and perspectives were made for future studies on the application of LDHs in electrocatalytic processes.