Co-MOF as a highly efficient catalyst for contaminants degradation via sulfite activation

Activation of sulfite (SO32-) by heterogeneous catalysts draws increasing attention due to their promising performance and environmental benignity. In this work, Co-based metal organic framework (Co-MOF) was synthesized and directly used as a catalyst to activate SO32- for contaminants degradation. The Co-MOF catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for Methyl Orange (MO) degradation in alkaline aqueous solution. Impressively, the catalytic performance of Co-MOF was more efficient than Co2+ and cobalt oxides of Co3O4, CoFe2O4 and Co nanoparticles embedded in carbon tubes. Radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance suggested that special coordination and redox of Co(II) and Co(III) in the pristine of Co-MOF initiated a series of chain reaction of SO32- oxidation, with the formation of several oxysulfur radicals such as SO32-center dot and SO4-center dot This work provides new insights into the stereoscopic cobalt based catalysts of sulfite catalysis and can guide new insights in future catalyst development in advanced oxidation process.

Automated summary

Activation of sulfite by Co-based metal organic framework (Co-MOF) was found to be more efficient than traditional cobalt catalysts like Co2+ and cobalt oxides. The special coordination and redox of Co(II) and Co(III) in Co-MOF initiated a chain reaction of sulfite oxidation. This work provides new insights into cobalt-based catalysts for sulfite catalysis and can guide future catalyst development in advanced oxidation processes.