Cobalt-based catalysts for heterogeneous peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in degradation of organic contaminants: Recent advances and perspectives

Owing to their excellent decontamination performance, sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) have aroused great research interests in recent years. Cobalt-based materials are proved to be effective means for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to destruct organic pollutants via the in situ generated reactive sulfate radicals. In this review, the recent progress on diversiform cobalt-based materials for heterogeneous catalysis of PMS activation has been outlined. In addition, materials design and activation mechanisms of cobalt-based composites coupling with PMS systems in organic decomposition have also been summarized and discussed. Future perspectives of heterogeneous cobalt-containing SR-AOPs systems are reviewed, such as nanostructured catalysts, surface engineering in efficiency enhancement, heterogeneous catalysts, reaction pathways and applications in actual wastewater treatment.