Activation of peroxymonosulfate by the CoFe/ZSM-5 for efficient sulfamethoxazole degradation

The CoFe/ZSM-5 catalyst was successfully synthesized through the impregnation method and used for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to degrade sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The CoFe/ZSM-5 sample showed more excellent catalytic performance than that of Co/ZSM-5 and Fe/ZSM-5 due to the synergistic effect between Co and Fe, and the removal efficiency of SMX reached to 93% within 60 min. Total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate was 85% in the CoFe/ZSM-5/PMS reaction system. In addition, the CoFe/ZSM-5/PMS system showed excellent catalytic ability on SMX degradation in the pH range of 6.0–9.0. The CoFe/ZSM-5 sample showed excellent stability and reusability, and the degradation efficiency of SMX still reached to 90% in the fifth run. The quenching experiment proved that SO4-·and 1O2 active species were produced, and 1O2 played a dominant role during the degradation process. This study provides an efficient strategy for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts used as the PMS activator to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater.