Peroxymonosulfate activation by Co3O4/SnO2 for efficient degradation of ofloxacin under visible light

In this work, Co3O4/SnO2 catalyst was prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method and applied in the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of the target pollutant ofloxacin (OFX). The results showed that the PMS/Co3O4/SnO2-8% system had a 92% OFX degradation efficiency after 30 min of catalytic reaction, which was 46 times higher than that of PMS/SnO2 alone, and the degradation efficiency could be maintained in a wide pH range (5-11). In addition, reactive oxygen species quenching experiments and electron spin resonance spectra confirmed that sulfate radicals, superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen were the dominant active groups. The excellent recyclability and stability of the as-prepared catalyst were confirmed by cycling experiments and characterization results. Finally, a possible degradation pathway of OFX was suggested, and the intermediate toxicity of this system was identified and analyzed by a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR). (C)& nbsp;2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a Co3O4/SnO2 catalyst was prepared and applied for the degradation of ofloxacin. The catalyst showed high efficiency in degrading ofloxacin and maintained stability over a wide pH range. Furthermore, the study investigated the active species of the catalyst and analyzed the degradation pathway and intermediate toxicity of ofloxacin.