Joule heating: a versatile and sustainable heating strategy with diverse applications in materials science and waste management

Abstract

Joule heating offers a rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable heating strategy with broad applications across materials science and waste management. Its versatility, scalability, and controllability make it an attractive method for diverse processes. This review systematically presents the fundamental principles and typical equipment configurations associated with Joule heating. Recent advancements are highlighted, including its applications in graphene production, synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, preparation of single-atom catalysts, and generation of metastable nanomaterials. Furthermore, the use of Joule heating in extraction of precious metals and rare earth elements, plastic depolymerization, catalytic conversion of gaseous pollutants and removal of soil pollutants is comprehensively examined. This paper also addresses the challenges currently limiting Joule heating's wider adoption, such as optimization of process parameters and energy efficiency concerns. Finally, perspectives on future research directions and potential technological improvements are discussed, emphasizing the role of Joule heating as a sustainable and versatile approach for advancing materials synthesis and waste treatment solutions.