Cobalt super-microparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene for aniline oxidation based on sulfate radicals

Cobalt super-microparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene (Co-NG) were prepared using an inexpensive method and were tested for heterogeneous oxidation of aniline with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in aqueous solutions. The crystal structure, morphology, and textural properties of Co-NG hybridswere investigated by various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electron paramagnetic resonance and classical quenching tests were conducted to investigate the mechanism of PMS activation and aniline oxidation. The catalyst Co-NG exhibits an unexpectedly high catalytic activity in the degradation of aniline in water by advanced oxidation technology based on sulfate radicals (SO4-center dot), and 100% decomposition can be achieved in 10 min. This paper offers new insights on heterogeneous catalysis. (C) 2017 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.