Re-evaluation of conventional wastewater treatment processes is of paramount importance to improve the overall quality of our aquatic environment. Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOPs) are the most promising alternative methods with application in wastewater treatment facilities since in situ electrogenerated oxidant agents degrade and mineralize a wide range of water pollutants. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) technology has proven its excellency in the anodic oxidation (AO) of different pollutants. In this work, we describe the use of a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology and a bibliometric analysis tool for the assessment of a representative sample of work (hundreds of publications) concerning the synergism between AO using BDD technology and other oxidation methods. One section of the discussion relates to different techniques used to enhance the AO performance of BDD technology, namely persulfate radicals or ozone and photoelectrocatalysis, whereas the second one considers Fenton-based reactions. A standard synergism effect occurs between AO using BDD technology and the add-ons or the Fenton-based methods, resulting in the enhancement of the degradation and mineralization efficiencies. The future of EAOPs using BDD technology must include renewable energy sources to self-sustain the overall process, and further research on the subject is mandatory to enable the effective acceptance and application of such processes in wastewater remediation facilities.

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes are eco-friendly and widely used in efficient water remediation through electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs). These anodes can completely mineralize a wide range of pollutants, only requiring electrical energy. Over the last 2 decades, numerous commercially available BDD electrodes have emerged, but little is known about their electrooxidation performance, particularly if compared to laboratory-produced anodes by different research groups. In this critical review, a comparison between in-house-made and commercially available BDD electrodes based on a systematic literature review (SLR) is carried out. SLR was quite useful in locating and selecting the scientific publications relevant to the topic, enabling information gathering on dissemination, growth, and trends in the application of BDD electrodes in the degradation of water pollutants. More specifically, data concerning the origin of the employed BDD electrodes, and their physicochemical properties were extracted from a thorough selection of articles. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the main parameters affecting the BDD electrodes’ performance is provided and includes selection and pre-treatment of the substrate material, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, deposition parameters, characterization methods, and operational conditions. This discussion was carried out fully based on the numerous performance indicators found in the literature. Those clearly revealed that there are only a few analogous points across works, demonstrating the challenge of establishing an accurate comparison methodology. In this context, we propose a figure-of-merit equation which aims at normalizing BDD degradation results for a specific contaminant, even if working under different experimental conditions. Two case studies based on the degradation of solutions spiked with phenol and landfill leachate treatment with commercial or in-house-made BDD electrodes are also presented. Although it was not possible to conclude which electrode would be the best choice, we propose a set of guidelines detailing a consistent experimental procedure for comparison purposes in the future.