Enhanced Peroxymonosulfate activation via MnCo2O4/rGO with Near‐Infrared Photothermal Effect for Antibiotics Degradation

Antibiotic pollutants, as a kind of persistent organic pollutants, have a non‐negligible impact on water environment and human health. The photothermal Fenton‐like process under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation is energing as a promising advanced oxidations (AOPs) technology. On the basis of Co‐based catalysts, this work designed and prepared an environmental Fenton‐like catalyst with strong photothermal effects and excellent activation ability for peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The novel photothermal catalyst, MnCo2O4/rGO, combined MnCo2O4 with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets, which offered large specific surface area and enhanced electron transfer capability. The incorporation of rGO greatly improved the near‐infrared absorption and photothermal conversion ability of MnCo2O4/rGO, resulting in a significant increase in the system temperature. This enhanced photothermal effect realized the synergy of thermal effect and catalytic activation, leading to the efficient activation of PMS for antibiotic degradation (with a degradation efficiency of up to 99% within 15 min). In addition, MnCo2O4/rGO was characterized by satisfactory stability and great adaptability across a wide range of complex water matrics. In summary, the MnCo2O4/rGO catalyst, with its enhanced photothermal effect, offers a highly efficient and versatile approach for the degradation of antibiotic pollutants in water, making it a promising solution for advanced water treatment.