Efficient degradation of carbamazepine by polydopamine-decorated Co/N@ZS activated peroxymonosulfate: performance and mechanism

Abstract

The development of high-performance catalysts for the activation of peroxymonosulfate remains a persistent challenge in the degradation of contaminants in waste water. Herin, a catalyst, Co/N@ZS-polydopamine, with excellent recovery and recyclability, was synthesized by employing the structurally ordered Co/N@ZS and polydopamine with strong adhesion. This catalyst effectively activated 0.30 g/L peroxymonosulfate for the degradation of 20 mg/L carbamazepine, demonstrating a remarkable degradation rate of 94.46%. The combination of electron paramagnetic resonance analysis and reactive oxygen species quenching research revealed that carbamazepine degradation is caused by both radical (SO₄^•- and O₂^•-) and non-radical (¹O₂ and electron transfer) processes. In addition, the possible degradation pathways were proposed based on the identification of intermediate products through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. More importantly, the catalyst-assisted thin films exhibit exceptional stability and long-term efficacy in dynamic water treatment. The present study provides innovative perspectives on the application of highly efficient and stable catalysts in water treatment procedures for advanced oxidation processes.

Keywords

Peroxymonosulfate activation / Co/N@ZS-PDA / electron transfer / degradation pathways / exceptional stability

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