Electrochemical Valorization of Organic Pollutants in Wastewater: Progress and Perspective

As global efforts intensify toward carbon neutrality and sustainable resource management, wastewater is increasingly recognized as a resource-rich stream rather than a waste. Electrochemical transformation of organic pollutants in wastewater into value-added chemicals offers a sustainable alternative to traditional energy-intensive mineralization processes, aligning with circular economy principles. In this perspective, we first outline the conceptual advantages and recent advances in the electrochemical valorization of organic pollutants. We then discuss its potential application scenarios, with particular emphasis on wastewater sources and the decisive role of pollutant concentration in governing process feasibility. Furthermore, we propose product recovery strategies tailored to the physical states of the target products. Importantly, through preliminary techno-economic and life-cycle analyses, we identify product recovery as a frequently underestimated yet critical bottleneck that potentially dominates the overall economic viability and environmental footprint of electrochemical valorization systems. Finally, we highlight key future research directions to accelerate technological development. Overall, this perspective underscores the potential of electrochemical valorization as a green and efficient approach for simultaneous environmental remediation and resource recovery, with the long-term vision of transforming wastewater treatment plants from energy-intensive cost centers into resource-recovering chemical refineries.