A highly efficient Fenton-like catalyst based on isolated diatomic Fe-Co anchored on N-doped porous carbon

The Fenton-like process provides a promising pathway to produce enormous reactive radicals for the elimination of refractory organic pollutants in environmental remediation. In the design of heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst, significant progress has been made for nano- and micro-structures, but catalysts with atomic-scale active sites, particularly dual-metal single-atom, has been rarely observed. Herein, we report a highly efficient Fenton-like catalyst based on isolated diatomic Fe-Co anchored on N-doped porous carbon. This diatomic Fe-Co catalyst is robust and highly active in the heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for BPA degradation, showing an outstanding turnover frequency exceeding 60.62 min(-1). A variety of analytical techniques and DFT results suggest that the unique N-coordinated diatomic Fe-Co (FeCoN6) serves as highly catalytically active sites in Fenton-like reaction, while the neighboring pyrrolic N act as adsorption site for the adsorption of target organic molecules. The ultra-high catalytic performance of diatomic Fe-Co catalysts can be ascribed to its fantastic isolated FeCoN6 configuration and pyrrolic N adsorption site, which greatly shorten the migration distance from reactive radical to the adsorbed organic molecules.

Automated summary

A highly efficient Fenton-like catalyst based on isolated diatomic Fe-Co anchored on N-doped porous carbon was reported, showing outstanding catalytic activity for BPA degradation. The unique FeCoN6 configuration and pyrrolic N adsorption site contribute to the ultra-high catalytic performance of the diatomic Fe-Co catalyst in the heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate.