Lattice B-doping evolved ferromagnetic perovskite-like catalyst for enhancing persulfate-based degradation of...

Series of B-doped perovskite-like materials CeCu_0.5Co_0.5O₃ (B-C³O) were fabricated with unique ferromagnetic property due to partial substitution of non-magnetic 2p-impurities boron in the lattice. Then, B-C³O was used for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of norfloxacin (NOR), one kind of emerging pollutants with the concentration level up to mg/L in wastewaters. The results indicated that 5.0% B-C³O exhibited stable catalytic ability at pH 3.0-9.0 and high degradation efficiency in co-existing inorganic Cl^-, SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, H₂PO₄^- and organic humic acid. Non-radical ¹O₂, radicals •OH and SO₄^•-, as well as ClO^- were detected with synergy effect for NOR degradation. By quantifying free radicals, •OH with 0.52 µM and SO₄^•- with 10.91 µM were obtained at 180 min, verifying the leading role of SO₄^•-. The degradation process involved the defluorination and decarboxylation, as well as opening of quinolone and piperazinyl rings. Adopting alfalfa as the model plant, the toxicity effect before and after NOR degradation was finally evaluated with seed germination rate and chlorophyll content as the physiological indicators. In summary, non-metal B-doping not only provides a creative strategy for the development of ferromagnetic perovskite-like materials, but also affords excellent catalysts for aiding the advanced oxidation technology for removal of emerging pollutants in wastewaters.