Boosting heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes: Curvature-driven nanotube confinement catalysis

Nanotube-confined (NT-confined) catalysts have garnered considerable attention for boosting heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes (HAOPs). Despite significant advances in deciphering the synthesis methods and fundamental confined mechanisms, a high-level conceptualization of the core driving factors behind confinement effects remained underdeveloped. Uniquely, this review elucidated the governing role of curvature in regulating the NT-confined catalytic efficiency. Curvature-enabled regulation mechanisms were categorized into i) the modulated electronic structure of active phases (i.e., altered local strain), ii) the modulated reactant mass transport (i.e., regulated fluid mechanics), iii) the selective species ingress (i.e., space selectivity). In addition, the practical application of NT-confined catalysts was summarized, focusing on their stability, regeneration, and current challenges in real-water treatment. Eventually, the future research directions for developing enhanced functional, stable, and environmentally compatible NT-confined catalysts were proposed. This review is anticipated to bridge fundamental knowledge and performance-oriented design of NT-confined catalysts, advancing their practical implementation.