Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by a Mn_0.7Co_0.5O₂@C Catalyst for the Degradation of Tetracycline

Abstract

Persulfate advanced oxidation technologyshows great potential in the removal of organic pollutants. Inthis study, a Mn0.7Co0.5O2@C catalyst wassynthesized from MnCO3‐ZIF‐67 precursor via calcination and employedto activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of tetracycline (TC).The catalyst, characterized by a plethora of active sites and superior electrontransfer capabilities, mitigated the sluggish reaction kinetics associated withweak electron transfer. Degradation experiments demonstrated an 87.54% removalefficiency within 60 minutes using 10 mg of catalyst, outperforming PMS aloneby 2.3‐fold. The Mn0.7Co0.5O2@C/PMS system'ssynergistic effects and mechanisms were elucidated, with experiments confirmingthe generation of reactive species including singlet oxygen (1O2), sulfate radicals (SO4•−), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH).The catalyst's exceptional performance is attributed to the valence cycling ofMn and Co ions, facilitating PMS activation and the production of radicals. Additionally, the lattice oxygen within the catalyst is oxidized to form reactive oxygenspecies, which, in conjunction with oxygen vacancies, react with PMS to producenon‐radical species (1O2). The synergistic oxidationeffects of these free radicals and non‐radicals ultimately facilitate theremoval of TC, offering a novel approach for the treatment of organicwastewater with persulfate‐based advanced oxidation processes.