Advances in Hydrodechlorination Technologies for Diclofenac Removal from Aqueous Systems

This review article describes the most recent studies carried out on the catalytic hydrodechlorination (HDC) of Diclofenac (DFC). In this context, the most commonly employed catalytic materials for the removal of DFC from aqueous matrices are reviewed, along with their main performance outcomes. Various strategies for the HDC of DFC are discussed, including conventional approaches that rely on molecular hydrogen as the electron donor, as well as emerging alternatives based on biocatalytic and electrocatalytic processes. Additionally, the optimized reaction conditions for each catalytic system are discussed, along with relevant kinetic models and mechanistic insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of the HDC of DFC. Future perspectives on the use of catalysts with alternative properties for DFC removal via HDC are also discussed, aiming to highlight potential applications in wastewater treatment and the broader field of heterogeneous catalysis.