Efficient sulfamethoxazole degradation via boosting nonradical-based peroxymonosulfate activation by biochar supported Co-Ni bimetal oxide

Nonradical-based peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation has recently caught increasing attention due to its less susceptible to environmental interference in the complex water matrix, but the performance of activators still requires further development for efficient pollutants degradation in wastewater treatment. Herein, a novel Co-Ni bimetal oxide loaded biochar was fabricated to boost nonradical PMS activation for enhancing sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation. According to the results, the as-obtained catalyst exhibited excellent SMX degradation efficiency of 96.2% within 30 min through complete nonradical oxidation pathway (including both 1O2 and mediated electron transfer). Co was confirmed to be the active sites to generate 1O2 dominated nonradical pathway. The biochar acted as the porous material to achieve the electron transfer oxidation process, as well as Ni ensured sufficient electron transfer rate and bound Co active sites to prevent the leaching of metal ions. Meanwhile, the prepared Co-Ni bimetal oxide loaded biochar possessed a remarkable catalytic degradation durability in the complex water environment conditions and showed universality for various organic contaminants. This study offers a valuable clue on the rational design of novel catalyst to induce the nonradical pathway-based persulfate activation.