Engineering interface-confined electronic bridge via Mo-S-Fe-O-Mo structure to boost Fenton-like performance for...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Fe-based Fenton catalysts face limitations in groundwater remediation due to constrained persulfate affinity and slow Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycling.
• Effective in-situ remediation strategies are crucial for addressing groundwater contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and construct an interface-confined Mo-S-Fe-O-Mo electron bridge on Fe-based catalysts.
• To enhance the catalytic performance for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and degrading organic pollutants in groundwater.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel Fe-based catalyst with an integrated Mo-S-Fe-O-Mo electron bridge.
• Investigation of catalyst performance in PMS activation for organic pollutant degradation (e.g., carbamazepine).
• Utilizing theoretical analyses to elucidate the mechanism of enhanced electron transfer and PMS activation.

Main Results:

• The engineered catalyst demonstrated outstanding performance in PMS activation, achieving a carbamazepine degradation rate 56 times higher than control systems.
• The Mo-S-Fe-O-Mo bridge facilitated efficient electronic coupling, enhanced PMS adsorption, and accelerated Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox cycling.
• The catalyst exhibited long-term stability and effective migration through porous media for simulated contaminated aquifer remediation.

Conclusions:

• The developed interface-confined electron bridge strategy significantly improves Fe-based Fenton-like catalysts for groundwater remediation.
• This approach enhances both radical and non-radical oxidation pathways, leading to superior and sustained pollutant removal.
• The study offers a novel strategy for designing advanced catalysts for in-situ groundwater cleanup.