Bibliometric analysis and systematic review of electrochemical methods for environmental remediation

• Published in: Journal of environmental sciences (China) Vol. 144; pp. 113 - 136
• Main Authors: Huang, Wenbin, Liu, Shibin, Zhang, Tao, Wu, Hao, Pu, Shengyan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.10.2024
• Subjects: adsorption; Bibliometric analysis; Bibliometrics; computer software; data visualization; Electrochemical remediation; Electrochemical Techniques - methods; electrochemistry; Electrode materials; electrodes; electron transfer; Environmental Pollutants - analysis; Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods; Heavy metals; Organic pollutants; oxidation; pollutants; remediation; systematic review; Electrode materials; Organic pollutants; Electrochemical remediation; Bibliometric analysis; Heavy metals
• ISSN: 1001-0742; 1878-7320
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.08.003

•9080 articles on electrochemical remediation were extracted from Web of Science.•The number of articles on electrochemical remediation began to increase greatly since 2007.•Electro-Fenton has advantages in synergistic effects of anodic oxidation and electro-adsorption.•Adsorption, oxidation and reduction are the major drivers of electrochemical remediation.•The topics “Advanced oxidation process” and “Nanocomposite” are in full swing. Electrochemical methods are increasingly favored for remediating polluted environments due to their environmental compatibility and reagent-saving features. However, a comprehensive understanding of recent progress, mechanisms, and trends in these methods is currently lacking. Web of Science (WoS) databases were utilized for searching the primary data to understand the knowledge structure and research trends of publications on electrochemical methods and to unveil certain hotspots and future trends of electrochemical methods research. The original data were sampled from 9080 publications in those databases with the search deadline of June 1st, 2022. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software facilitated data visualization and analysis of document quantities, source journals, institutions, authors, and keywords. We discussed principles, influencing factors, and progress related to seven major electrochemical methods. Notably, publications on this subject have experienced significant growth since 2007. The most frequently-investigated areas in electrochemical methods included novel materials development, heavy metal remediation, organic pollutant degradation, and removal mechanism identification. “Advanced oxidation process” and “Nanocomposite” are currently trending topics. The major remediation mechanisms are adsorption, oxidation, and reduction. The efficiency of electrochemical systems is influenced by material properties, system configuration, electron transfer efficiency, and power density. Electro-Fenton exhibits significant advantages in achieving synergistic effects of anodic oxidation and electro-adsorption among the seven techniques. Future research should prioritize the improvement of electron transfer efficiency, the optimization of electrode materials, the exploration of emerging technology coupling, and the reduction in system operation and maintenance costs. [Display omitted]