Active Site Evolution in Cobalt-Based Catalysts for Intensifying Water Purification: From Single-Atom to Diatomic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Single-atom cobalt catalysts (SAC-Co) show promise for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in water treatment.
• However, their monometallic nature limits catalytic activity and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an active site evolution strategy to enhance SAC-Co performance.
• To create bimetallic dual-atom sites (M/Co1-CN) for improved PMS activation and pollutant degradation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ionizing radiation to transform isolated Co sites into bimetallic M/Co1 dual-atom sites (M=Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn).
• Investigated catalytic performance for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation.
• Conducted mechanistic studies using electronic structure analysis.

Main Results:

• Cu/Co1-CN catalysts exhibited significantly higher SMX degradation rates compared to SAC-Co and SAC-Cu.
• Introduction of Cu modulated Co electronic structure, creating an electronic gradient and strong electronic coupling.
• The Cu/Co1-CN/PMS system showed broad-spectrum pollutant degradation, anion resistance, and 96-hour stability.

Conclusions:

• Active site evolution via bimetallic dual-atom site formation is a powerful strategy for advanced water treatment catalysts.
• Tailored electronic structures in M/Co1-CN enhance PMS activation and catalytic durability.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for efficient and stable water purification technologies.