Lattice oxygen activation of MnO2 by CeO2 for the improved degradation of bisphenol A in the peroxymonosulfate-based oxidation

The structure of MnO2 was modified by constructing the composites CeO2/ MnO2 via a facile hydrothermal method. The catalytic performance of optimal composite (Mn-Ce10) in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) is approximately three times higher than that of MnO2 alone. The average valence of manganese in CeO2/ MnO2 is lowered compared to MnO2, which induces the generation of more free radicals, such as OH and SO•− 4. In addition, the composite exhibits a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies than MnO2, facilitating bonding with PMS to produce more singlet oxygen (1O2). Moreover, the incorporation of CeO2 activates the lattice oxygen of MnO2, improving its oxidative ability. Consequently, approximately 48 % of BPA decomposition in 10 min is attributed to direct oxidation in the Mn-Ce10/PMS system, whereas only 36 % occurs in 30 min for the MnO2/PMS system. Simulation results confirm weakened Mn-O covalency and elongated Mn-O bonds due to the activation of lattice oxygen in CeO2/MnO2, demonstrating that PMS tends to be adsorbed on the composite rather than on MnO2. This work establishes a relationship between lattice oxygen and the degradation pathway, offering a novel approach for the targeted regulation of catalytic oxidation.