High Atom Utility of Robust Ca-Co Bimetallic Catalyst for Efficient Fenton-Like Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes

Abstract

Maximizing the number of exposed catalytic sites is a critical factor for high reaction activity in supported metal catalysts. However, achieving high-density metal sites with adequate activity and stability is challenging owing to the low number of anchoring sites and excessive chelation of metal ions. Herein, bimetallic co-catalyst sites were robustly anchored on a polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate nonwoven fabric via radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) and modified with high ion density. Calcium ions enabled atomic-level structural control, which enhanced the ionic site dispersion and catalytic performance in peroxymonosulfate activation. Using this catalyst, tetracycline hydrochloride was degraded by 97% within 8 min. The wide usage range was confirmed under different conditions. Structural characterization and theoretical calculations were used to explain the complex state of the bimetallic ions and the delicate electronic structures. Catalytic processes using large-scale substrates show potential for the practical application of activated PMS in wastewater treatment.

Keywords: Radiation-induced graft polymerization, advanced oxidation process, Bimetallic catalyst, Catalytic mechanism