Efficiently Degrading RhB Using Bimetallic Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnO Oxides: Ultra-Fast and Persistent Activation of Permonosulfate

To address the issues of poor Co<sup>2+</sup> regeneration and limited interfacial electron transfer in heterogeneous catalytic systems, this study proposes the synthesis of highly efficient and stable Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnO composites through the pyrolys...

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Main Authors: Bai Sun, Rui Liu, Fengshou Zhao, Shengnan He, Yun Wang, Xiangxiang Wang, Hao Huang, Mingjian Yi, Shuguang Zhu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Molecules
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/10/2237
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Summary:To address the issues of poor Co<sup>2+</sup> regeneration and limited interfacial electron transfer in heterogeneous catalytic systems, this study proposes the synthesis of highly efficient and stable Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnO composites through the pyrolysis–oxidation reaction of Co/Zn MOFs for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) using activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The results confirmed that the catalyst exhibited a high electron transfer capacity, and the synergistic effect between the bimetals enhanced the reversible redox cycle of Co<sup>3+</sup>/Co<sup>2+</sup>. Under optimal conditions, complete removal of RhB was achieved in just 6 min using the Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnO composite, which demonstrated excellent stability after five cycles. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited a high degradation efficiency in real water samples with a total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate of approximately 65% after 60 min. The electrochemical measurements, identification of active species, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that non-radicals (<sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub> and direct charge transfer) played a major role in the degradation of RhB. Finally, the potential mechanisms and degradation pathways for RhB degradation using this catalyst were systematically investigated. This study opens new avenues for the development of efficient and stable PMS catalysts, and provides insights into the preparation of other emerging metal oxides.
ISSN:1420-3049