Exploration for cobalt/nitrogen-doped catalyst to creatinine degradation via peroxymonosulfate activation: Toxicity evaluation, statistical modeling and mechanisms study

Abstract

Abstract Developing multifunctional catalysts applied in diversiform modes via advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is a promising and attractive approach for organic pollutions degradation. Herein, a novel hollow bamboo-like structural cobalt/nitrogen-doped carbonized material (CoC/N) was employed as a catalyst for AOPs, in which CoC/N was prepared in situ through calcining a Co-based coordination polymer. When CoC/N was utilized as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator, the catalyst standed out excellent activities for effective CA oxidation. Further, a five-level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) model describing CA decay as a function of PMS concentration, CoC/N dosage and solution pH value were successfully constructed and engaged to explore the optimal operating conditions. Meticulously, the possible degradation mechanism of CA in CoC/N-PMS system was proposed by quantum chemistry calculation and LC/MS analysis. This work shed light on the structural morphology of the catalyst and its PMS synergy degradation pathway, which promotes its applications in miscellaneous pollutants degradation.