Magnetic Co/CoOx@NCNT catalysts for activation of potassium peroxymonosulfate to deteriorate phenol from wastewater

Phenols are of much toxicological and they must be effectively removed from the wastewater from industries as well as sewage treatment. Such removal demands a special and strong composite. So, this piece of research aims to activate Potassium peroxymonosulfate (PPMS) with the large surface area of magnetite nitrogen-fixed porous carbon nanotube composites (Co/CoOx@NCNT). Increases in the graphitization degree and structural control brought about by the incorporation of reduced Graphite oxide (rGO) significantly increased the catalyst activity of Co/CoOx@NCNT. It was found that PPMS activation for phenol removal by Co/CoOx@NCNT was nearly as effective as by homogeneous Co²⁺, with nearly 100% removal efficiency in 10 min. Both high reusability and high recycling of Co/CoOx@NCNT were accomplished simultaneously by proving the technology of viability in practical applications. The PPMS activation mechanism in the Co/CoOx@NCNT/PPMS system was driven by the electron transmission from contaminants to PPMS through the sp^2- hybrid carbon nanotubes and nitrogen system. The selectivity of the Co/CoOx@NCNT/PPMS system to remove diverse organic compounds was determined by batch experiments. Due to the insignificant impact of radicals reactive on pollutant breakdown, the ability to inhibit species (such as Cl^- and natural organic materials) from a minor role was significantly decreased. These results not only shed light on the process of PPMS heterogeneous activation but also provided a framework for the balanced project of highly effective nanocarbon-based catalysts for PPMS activation.