Electron transfer-mediated enhanced sustained degradation of refractory high ionization potential organic pollutants via a self-floating photo-fenton membrane

The efficient and sustainable removal of refractory high ionization potential (high-IP) organic pollutants remains challenging due to their redox inertness and poor interfacial electron transfer. Herein, we report a suspended photo-Fenton membrane (2D-C3N4/Fe-N-C/GO) that circumvents these limitations via a self-sufficient oxidant generation pathway, enabling low-carbon abatement of high-IP pollutants. This multifunctional architecture couples the visible-light-driven production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by two-dimensional carbon nitride (2D-C3N4) with the Fe-N-C mediated adsorption and activation of electron-deficient species via pyridinic N-Fe2+/Fe3+ redox pairs. Under light irradiation, photogenerated electrons continuously regenerate Fe2+ from Fe3+, sustaining reactive oxygen species (•OH) production and promoting efficient oxidative mineralization. The system demonstrates robust long-term performance in both synthetic and real wastewater matrices, achieving superior degradation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. Life cycle assessment (LCA) confirms its environmental superiority over conventional homogeneous Fenton processes, with markedly reduced carbon emissions and ecological impacts. This work offers a mechanistically insightful and practically viable platform for the green, efficient, and durable remediation of high-IP organic pollutants, providing conceptual guidance for next-generation catalytic wastewater treatment technologies.