Constructing surface micro-electric fields on hollow single-atom cobalt catalyst for ultrafast and anti-interference advanced oxidation

Reactive oxygen species (ROSs) quenching by inorganic anions and natural organic matter (NOM) restricts efficiency upgradation of advanced oxidation process. Here a novel '4H' carbon polyhedral catalyst featuring hollow structure, high-density single-atom cobalt sites, high adsorbability and high conductivity is designed to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation. 91.62% of BPA is removed within 15 s, and the catalyst-dose-normalized kinetic rate constant reaches 92.92 L min(-1) g(-1), outdistancing reported values. Meanwhile, the composite demonstrates excellent anti-interference ability against anions and NOM. Moreover, the catalyst-loaded column reactor realizes BPA zero discharge for impressive 12.19 days. Experimental and theoretical evidences reveal that PMS bound on the single-atom cobalt site excites radial micro-electric field on the carbon support to drive electron extraction from co-adsorbed BPA, which fundamentally eliminates ROSs quenching and guarantees robust pollutant oxidation. This work can guide the '4H' catalyst design and refresh the atomic-level understanding of electron-transfer pathway.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel '4H' carbon polyhedral catalyst for the degradation of bisphenol A using activated peroxymonosulfate. The catalyst demonstrates high removal efficiency and excellent anti-interference ability.