The physical and chemical properties and reaction mechanisms of persulfates are first introduced, followed by a description of the activation mechanisms of persulfates by ultraviolet (UV), ultraviolet co-activated with transition metals (UV/TM), visible light (Vis), and visible light co-activated with transition metals (Vis/TM). The research progress on relevant materials is summarized. Finally, the key challenges and development directions of photoactivated persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes for the removal of organic pollutants in the environment are dis-cussed and envisioned.