Advances and challenges of SnO2-based anodes for electrochemical wastewater treatment

SnO2-based anodes have been widely used in heterogeneous catalytic processes, particularly in the anodic oxidation of wastewater containing recalcitrant organic materials. This review covers the application of SnO2-based anodes for the treatment of various wastewater sources, including phenols, dyes, landfills, and petroleum refinery wastewater, via direct anodic oxidation. The key operating parameters affecting anodic oxidation are summarized, the oxidation process mechanisms are elucidated, and typical methods for preparing these electrodes are described. This comprehensive review demonstrates that SnO2-based anodes can efficiently degrade organic pollutants in wastewater and confirms their high oxidation capacity and dimensional stability. Despite these excellent properties, the performance and durability can be further enhanced via novel doping strategies, innovative fabrication methods, and hybrid material designs, such as combining SnO2 nanotubes with TiO2 nanotubes. These emerging approaches provide pathways for the scalable and energy-efficient deployment of SnO2-based anodes in industrial wastewater treatment and sustainable operation applications.