The simplest and ultrafast microwave-mediated solid-state construction of cobalt oxide/carbon hybrid as an efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for ciprofloxacin degradation

Activation of peroxymonosulfate with ZIF-67-derived Co/N-doped porous carbon nanocubes for the degradation of Congo red dye

“…So far, various transition metal-based heterogeneous catalysts have been scrutinized as potential catalysts for PMS activation 16 , 17 , 20 , 21 , 24 . Studies developed in recent years have ventured the superiority of Co-based catalysts over other transition metal-based catalysts for PMS activation 9 , 12 , 14 , 25 – 27 . Nevertheless, the widespread implantation of Co-based catalysts for PMS activation seems to be obstructed by their unstable performance due to severe metal particle aggregation/leaching during the remediation process 25 .…”

“…Studies developed in recent years have ventured the superiority of Co-based catalysts over other transition metal-based catalysts for PMS activation 9 , 12 , 14 , 25 – 27 . Nevertheless, the widespread implantation of Co-based catalysts for PMS activation seems to be obstructed by their unstable performance due to severe metal particle aggregation/leaching during the remediation process 25 . Moreover, the leaching of the Co ions induces secondary contamination.…”

“…An effective tactic to address the above-mentioned shortcomings is to incorporate cobalt particles into proper porous, robust support materials 25 , 27 , 35 , 36 . Please note that the immobilization of the cobalt species over solid supports results in a catalyst not only with higher immunity against leaching during PMS-based AOP but also with higher oxidation performance as a result of the unique properties emanating from the interaction between the cobalt species and the support surface 37 .…”

“…To date, various porous materials have been scrutinized as supports for Co species in PMS activation, including zeolites, alumina, titania, mesoporous silica, and carbon-based materials 9 , 15 , 23 . Of these, porous carbon-based materials, like carbon black 25 , biochar 36 , heteroatom-doped porous carbon 37 , reduced graphene oxide 27 , carbon nanotubes 26 , 35 , have occupied a special place because of their extraordinary properties, including vast availability, uncomplicated synthesis, eco-friendly character, exceptional chemical and mechanical stabilities, good electrical conductivity, ample surface functionalities, high surface area and tunable porosity 12 , 23 , 38 . It is worth mentioning that porous carbon-based materials usually possess a high adsorption capacity for various organic contaminants, which would lead to enhanced enrichment of the organic contaminants around the active sites on the surface of the catalyst, thereby resulting in more efficient degradation of pollutants 36 .…”