Recently emerged liquid-phase oxidation processes catalyzed by carbon nanomaterials as metal-free

low-cost catalysts

either for manufacture of chemicals or for elimination of organic pollutants are reviewed. Oxidations of hydrocarbon

alcohol

ketone

amine

etc. are involved

categorized by the oxidant used

such as O2

H2O2

tert-butyl hydroperoxide

graphite oxide. The reaction processes and catalytic mechanisms are discussed to elucidate the role of carbon nanomaterials as a new class of catalyst.