# Multi-Metal Alloys as Catalysts for Fenton-like Oxidation: A Review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how multi-metal alloys can improve Fenton-like oxidation for efficient and sustainable water treatment.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the evolution and mechanisms of multi-metal alloy catalysts in Fenton-like reactions.

## Key findings

- Multi-metal alloys enhance redox cycles and structural stability through intermetallic synergies and electronic effects.
- Binary, multi-component, and high-entropy alloys show promise in overcoming traditional Fenton system limitations.
- Strategies like co-catalyst synergy and external field assistance improve catalyst performance.

## Abstract

The persistent discharge of refractory toxic organic pollutants poses a severe threat to aquatic environmental safety, driving the urgent demand for high-efficiency water treatment technologies in environmental engineering. Fenton and Fenton-like oxidation processes have garnered extensive attention due to their robust oxidizing capacity and environmental benignity; however, traditional Fenton systems are constrained by inherent limitations, including a narrow applicable pH range, potential secondary pollution, and cumbersome catalyst recovery. To address these challenges, Fenton-like catalysts have evolved progressively from single-metal systems to multi-metal alloy configurations. This review systematically elaborates on the fundamental principles and technical bottlenecks of classical Fenton and Fenton-like reactions, while comprehensively summarizing the research progress of multi-metal alloy catalysts—encompassing binary alloys, multi-component alloys, and high-entropy alloys. Special emphasis is placed on dissecting the core mechanisms through which multi-metal alloys optimize redox cycles and enhance structural stability, leveraging intermetallic synergistic effects, unique electronic structures, and lattice distortion. Furthermore, this work synthesizes key performance enhancement strategies for such catalysts, including co-catalyst synergy, external field assistance, and supported composite modification. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a scientific foundation and technical reference for the rational design, development, and engineering application of high-performance Fenton-like catalysts in sustainable wastewater remediation.