Critical review on iron photoreduction (Fe3+ to Fe2+): Mechanisms, applications, and boosting strategies
6 affiliations
- 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
- 2Center for Crystal Science and Technology, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8511, Japan
- 3Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
- 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Wastukancana, Purwakarta, 41151, Indonesia
- 5Center for Health Research, Northern Border University, Arar, 73213, Saudi Arabia
- 6Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Egypt
Abstract
Iron photoreduction, governed by light-driven Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ redox cycling, is emerging as a unifying mechanism for sustainable photocatalytic and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in environmental and energy applications. This review critically consolidates recent advances across homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, highlighting how iron photoreduction enables efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under visible light. Particular emphasis is placed on its roles in photocatalysis, photo-Fenton, and persulfate-based systems, where distinct radical pathways and operational windows define performance. Beyond mechanistic understanding, we present an integrated perspective spanning material design, process optimization, and system engineering. Key strategies, including visible-light harvesting, ligand-assisted photoreduction, and hybrid process coupling, are evaluated in terms of scalability, energy efficiency, and environmental compatibility. Importantly, we identify the mismatch between laboratory efficiency and real-world operation as a central challenge, driven by catalyst instability, iron leaching, and matrix complexity. Looking forward, this review outlines sustainable pathways based on green ligands, hybrid materials, and solar-driven systems, positioning iron photoreduction as a viable platform for low-energy water treatment and resource recovery. By bridging fundamental chemistry with engineering considerations, this work provides actionable insights to accelerate the deployment of iron-based photochemical technologies in a circular and sustainable context.
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BibTeX
@article{eddy2026critical,
title = {{Critical review on iron photoreduction (Fe3+ to Fe2+): Mechanisms, applications, and boosting strategies}},
author = {Diana Rakhmawaty Eddy and Muhamad Diki Permana and Devi Rahmawati and Rini Larasati and Apang Djafar Shieddieque and Takahiro Takei and Eman Ramadan Elsharkawy and Zeinhom Mohamed El-Bahy},
journal = {Materials Today Sustainability},
year = {2026},
month = may,
doi = {10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101393},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101393},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Critical review on iron photoreduction (Fe3+ to Fe2+): Mechanisms, applications, and boosting strategies
AU - Diana Rakhmawaty Eddy
AU - Muhamad Diki Permana
AU - Devi Rahmawati
AU - Rini Larasati
AU - Apang Djafar Shieddieque
AU - Takahiro Takei
AU - Eman Ramadan Elsharkawy
AU - Zeinhom Mohamed El-Bahy
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/05/19
JO - Materials Today Sustainability
DO - 10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101393
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101393
AB - Iron photoreduction, governed by light-driven Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ redox cycling, is emerging as a unifying mechanism for sustainable photocatalytic and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in environmental and energy applications. This review critically consolidates recent advances across homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, highlighting how iron photoreduction enables efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under visible light. Particular emphasis is placed on its roles in photocatalysis, photo-Fenton, and persulfate-based systems, where distinct radical pathways and operational windows define performance. Beyond mechanistic understanding, we present an integrated perspective spanning material design, process optimization, and system engineering. Key strategies, including visible-light harvesting, ligand-assisted photoreduction, and hybrid process coupling, are evaluated in terms of scalability, energy efficiency, and environmental compatibility. Importantly, we identify the mismatch between laboratory efficiency and real-world operation as a central challenge, driven by catalyst instability, iron leaching, and matrix complexity. Looking forward, this review outlines sustainable pathways based on green ligands, hybrid materials, and solar-driven systems, positioning iron photoreduction as a viable platform for low-energy water treatment and resource recovery. By bridging fundamental chemistry with engineering considerations, this work provides actionable insights to accelerate the deployment of iron-based photochemical technologies in a circular and sustainable context.
SN - 2589-2347
ER -