Highly Efficient Peroxymonosulfate Electroactivation on Co(OH)₂ Nanoarray Electrode for Pefloxacin Degradation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Materials Science

Background:

• Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is key for antibiotic degradation but limited by slow kinetics and high costs.
• Developing efficient and cost-effective catalysts is crucial for advanced oxidation processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cobalt-based catalyst for enhanced electrically activated PMS processes.
• To investigate the degradation of pefloxacin (PFX) using this novel catalytic system.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms and active species involved in pollutant degradation.

Main Methods:

• In situ electrodeposition of a cobalt-based catalyst (Co(OH)2).
• Electrically activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process for antibiotic degradation.
• Kinetic analysis and identification of active oxygen species.

Main Results:

• Achieved nearly 100% pefloxacin removal in 10 minutes with Co(OH)2 catalyst.
• High reaction kinetic constant of 0.52 min⁻¹ achieved.
• Identified Co2+/Co3+ redox cycles and singlet oxygen (¹O2) as key to PMS activation.

Conclusions:

• The Co(OH)2 catalyst effectively enhances PMS activation for rapid antibiotic degradation.
• This electro-catalytic strategy is efficient, low-cost, and free from secondary pollution.
• The method shows potential for degrading various organic pollutants.