Cobalt germanium hydroxides with asymmetric electron distribution and surface hydroxyl groups for superb catalytic degradation performances

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are attractive approaches for solving the global problem of water pollution, due to the generation of highly-active reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, highly-efficient PMS activation is crucial for promoting the catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. Here, bimetallic CoGeO2(OH)2 nanosheets with abundant surface hydroxyl groups (CGH) were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route for PMS activation and degradation of various organic contaminants for the first time. The abundant surface hydroxyl groups (≡Co–OH/≡Ge–OH) could promptly initiate PMS to generate highly-active species: singlet oxygen (1O2), sulfate radicals (SO4·−) and hydroxyl radicals (HO•), while the asymmetric electron distribution among Co–O–Ge bonds derived from the higher electronegativity of Ge than Co further enhances the quick electron transfer to promote the redox cycle of Co2+/Co3+ and Ge2+/Ge4+, thereby achieving an outstanding catalytic capability. The optimal catalyst exhibits nearly 100 % catalytic degradation performance of dyes (Methylene blue, Rhodamine B, Methyl orange, Orange II, Methyl green) and antibiotics (Norfloxacin, Bisphenol A, Tetracycline) over a wide pH range of 3–11 and under different coexisting anion conditions (Cl−, HCO3–, NO3–, HA), suggesting the excellent adaptability for practical usage. This study could potentially lead to novel perspectives on the remediation of water areas such as groundwater and deep-water areas.