Electron beam/persulfate-induced second-scale upcycling of wastewater polyvinyl alcohol with ultra-low chemical input

Conventional mineralization of high-concentration organic pollutants relied on intensive chemicals and high carbon emissions, necessitating resource recovery strategies. We developed a high-energy electron beam (HEEB)-activated persulfate (PS) system, transforming 99 % of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 2 g/L) into recyclable precipitates with ultra-low PS dosage (0.1 g/L) and short irradiation duration (24 kGy, 38.4 s), along with 98 % chemical oxygen demand removal. Therein, radicals (SO₄^•- and •OH) were generated to induce PVA degraded into oligomers and repolymerized into particles, finally aggregating to form precipitates. The system demonstrated robust performance across wide ranges of pH (4-10) and PVA concentration (0.5-10 g/L), and complex matrices containing inorganic ions, dyes and benzene derivatives, highlighting its industrial applicability. Crucially, the precipitates exhibited versatile reuse potential as adhesives or flexible conductive materials, with lifecycle analysis confirming net-negative carbon emissions and economic viability. This study offered a sustainable wastewater remediation approach for transforming persistent organic pollutants into functional materials.