Synthetic organic compounds degradation by dual radical/non-radical peroxymonosulfate with copper oxide as efficient heterogeneous activator

Synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) degradation in PMS system activated by heterogeneous catalyst based on copper has drawn great attention in water treatment process. Copper oxide (CuO) was employed as the heterogeneous activator for PMS owing to the excellent performance one-electron transformation to degrade SOCs represented by three common organic contaminations of SMX, CBZ, and ATZ. Scavenging experiments and EPR detection were conducted to explore the various reactive species. Moreover, the responsibility of copper in different valence for SOCs degradation also has been investigated. Finally, the influence of different reaction parameter on SOCs degradation also were explored including reactants concentration (PMS and CuO), initial pH, and water matrices of bicarbonate (HCO3−) and natural organic matters (NOM). Various reactive species generation including SO4•−, •OH, and 1O2 have been confirmed for SOCs degradation in CuO/PMS system with the dual radical/non-radical reactions. The primary SMX degradation was dominant for non-radical reaction approach while that of CBZ and ATZ was radical approach. This study confirmed the feasibility and potential of CuO serving as the efficient heterogeneous activator for PMS activation and provided a sustainable promising technology for water environment protection.