Towards sustainable electrochemical technologies for corrosion protection and electroplating wastewater treatment

Abstract The electroplating industry plays an important role in modern manufacturing, providing corrosion protection, wear resistance, and functional surfaces for applications ranging from automotive to electronics. However, its reliance on heavy metals and hazardous electrolytes generates significant environmental impacts, particularly through wastewater discharges laden with toxic ions. Addressing these dual challenges of corrosion protection and wastewater management requires the development of sustainable and scalable innovations. Electrochemical science offers a versatile platform to tackle both, enabling the development of advanced coatings and environmentally responsible treatment technologies. Recent advances in anticorrosive strategies include nanostructured and hybrid coatings with tailored functionality, improved adhesion, and self-healing capabilities. In parallel, electrochemical approaches for wastewater remediation, such as electrodeposition, provide pathways to remove and recover critical metals, supporting resource efficiency and circular economy principles. Emerging trends highlight the integration of hybrid systems that combine electrochemical processes with adsorption, membranes, or bioelectrochemical modules, thereby enhancing selectivity and scalability. Sustainability considerations are increasingly shaping research agendas, with green solvents, bio-based inhibitors, and energy-efficient electrochemical reactors being actively investigated. At the same time, techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment are essential to bridge laboratory innovation and industrial adoption. Looking ahead, frontier opportunities lie in multifunctional coatings, resource recovery platforms, and the integration of artificial intelligence for process optimization. This perspective underscores the transformative potential of electrochemical strategies at the intersection of materials development, wastewater treatment, and critical resource recovery, pointing toward a future where industrial performance and environmental stewardship converge.