Peroxymonosulfate activation by CuFe-prussian blue analogues for the degradation of bisphenol S: Effect, mechanism,...

The fenton-like process based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is considered as a promising strategy for the removal of organic pollutants. However, the development of efficient photocatalysts for PMS activation remains challenging. Herein, copper-iron prussian blue analogue (Cu_nFe₁-PBA, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) nanomaterials were first fabricated through a simple combination of co-precipitation and calcination processes. The as-synthesized Cu_nFe₁-PBA composite catalyst was used to activate PMS for the degradation of endocrine disruptor bisphenol S (BPS). As the result, Cu₃Fe₁-PBA calcined at 300 °C (Cu₃Fe₁-PBA*300 °C) mainly composed of CuFe₂O₄ and CuO showed a higher catalytic activity for activating PMS for BPS degradation than those of Cu_nFe₁-PBA composite. Additionally, Cu₃Fe₁-PBA*300 °C/PMS system was suitable for degradation of BPS at 400 mg/L catalyst or PMS and wide pH ranges from 3 to 11 while coexisting inorganic anions (SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, and HCO₃^-) and humic acid all inhibited the reaction. Radical trapping experiment, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) proved that Cu and Fe could regulate the charge balance through changes of valence state, and active PMS to produce free radicals effectively, especially the production of ¹O₂. Furthermore, the analysis of the BPS intermediates of degradation was carried out by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and two degradation pathways of BPS were proposed. In summary, this work provides a facile avenue to design efficient catalysts to activate PMS for the degradation of emerging organic pollutants in water remediation.