Self-Powered advanced oxidation processes for removing contaminants from wastewater

Rapid industrialization has introduced emerging contaminants such as antibiotics, perfluorooctanoic acid, and microplastics into aquatic environments, posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health. Traditional electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are effective but limited by high energy consumption and reliance on external power sources. This review presents self-powered AOPs that harness ambient mechanical energy-such as ultrasound, water flow, and vibration-through self-powered technologies to drive advanced oxidation processes without external power input. We systematically analyze the mechanisms, developments, and applications of piezoelectric catalysis, contact electrocatalysis, and triboelectric catalysis in wastewater treatment. These technologies not only efficiently degrade a wide range of emerging contaminants but also enable catalyst regeneration, enhancing durability and sustainability. By bridging theoretical principles with practical applications, we highlight the feasibility and potential of self-powered AOPs in advancing low-carbon, sustainable wastewater treatment. Future challenges and research directions are proposed to guide the design and implementation of novel self-powered water treatment technologies.