Citation: Ning Li, Mengwei Zhang, Xianglin Chang, Shouqiang Wan, Yangli Cui, Yukun Hao, Beibei Yan, Guanyi Chen. Polymerization versus mineralization in persulfate-based advanced oxidation: A multidimensional trade-off analysis[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(11): 112854. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2026.112854 shu

Polymerization versus mineralization in persulfate-based advanced oxidation: A multidimensional trade-off analysis

Ning Li ^a ,
Mengwei Zhang ^a ,
Xianglin Chang ^a ,
Shouqiang Wan ^a ,
Yangli Cui ^{a, b} ,
Yukun Hao ^a ,
Beibei Yan ^a ,
Guanyi Chen ^{a, b, c, *,}

a.
School of Environmental Science and Engineering/ Tianjin Research Center for Safe Disposal of Organic Solid Waste and Energy Utilization Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
b.
School of Ecology and Environment/Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Ministry of Education, Xizang University, Lhasa 850000, China
c.
School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin 300134, China

chengytj@163.com

Received Date: 24 November 2025
Revised Date: 21 April 2026
Accepted Date: 27 April 2026
Available Online: 28 April 2026

Figures(6)

Persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes (PS-AOPs) have gained extensive attention for removing refractory organic contaminants. In PS-AOPs, mineralization and polymerization pathways exhibit significant contrasts in removal mechanisms and product characteristics. This review established a comparative framework from three dimensions: catalyst performance, reactor design, and economic-environmental benefits. First, based on total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency and activity decay, catalyst activity and stability in both pathways were systematically compared and analyzed, with deactivation mechanisms and control strategies identified. Second, the adaptability and operational modes of existing reactors were evaluated, and design concepts including electrochemical regeneration and backwashing were proposed for polymerization applications. Finally, the economic cost and environmental benefits of two pathways were compared based on continuous-flow data. Results indicate that polymerization pathways achieve a TOC removal rate three times higher than mineralization, with single-atom and metal catalysts performing outstandingly, but the stability requires urgent improvement. In continuous operation, the dosage of oxidant was a key factor affecting the treatment cost and environmental benefit. Mineralization pathways are more economical for treating low-concentration wastewater, whereas polymerization pathways work better overall cost-effectiveness for high-concentration wastewater. This review examines the differences between mineralization and polymerization from a global perspective, providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for adaptive regulation of PS-AOPs pathways.
- Polymerization,
- Catalyst performance,
- Reactor design,
- Aggregate assessment,
- Engineering standpoint
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