Highly dispersed and stabilized Co3O4/C anchored on porous biochar for bisphenol A degradation by sulfate radical advanced oxidation process

Cobalt oxide and porous carbon materials are desirable catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) advanced oxidation reaction in the degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, carbon-coated Co3O4 (Co3O4/C) mounted biochar (BC) composites (Co3O4/C-BC) with a three-dimensional spongy-like network were constructed by driving a dual-precursors of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) and Eichhornia crassipes. Considering the unique structures and compositions, the Co3O4/C-BC composites enhanced the dispersion of Co3O4/C nanoparticles, minimized the Co leaching, mediated the size of Co3O4/C nanoparticles, and enhanced the overall catalytic activity. Co3O4/C-BC effectively activated PMS for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation along with satisfactory reusability in advanced oxidation reaction. Electron paramagnetic resonance and radical quenching tests revealed that the generation and effect of sulfate and hydroxyl radicals in reaction process. This work not only provided a promising catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants but also expanded BPA degradation pathway and PMS activation mechanism.