Efficient reduction-oxidation coupling degradation of nitroaromatic compounds in continuous flow processes

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) with electron-withdrawing nitro (-NO₂) groups are typical refractory pollutants. Despite advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) being appealing degradation technologies, inefficient ring-opening oxidation of NACs and practical large-scale applications remain challenges. Here we tackle these challenges by designing a reduction-oxidation coupling (ROC) degradation process in LaFe_0.95Cu_0.05O₃@carbon fiber cloth (LFCO@CFC)/PMS/Vis continuous flow system. Cu doping enhances the photoelectron transfer, thus triggering the -NO₂ photoreduction and breaking the barriers in the ring opening. Also, it modulates surface electronic configuration to generate radicals and non-radicals for subsequent oxidation of reduction products. Based on this, the ROC process can effectively remove and mineralize NACs under the environmental background. More importantly, the LFCO catalyst outperformed most of the recently reported catalysts with lower cost (13.72 CNY/ton) and higher processing capacity (3600 t/month). Furthermore, the high scalability, material durability, and catalytic activity of LFCO@CFC under various realistic environmental conditions prove the potential ability for large-scale applications.