Integration of single-atom photothermal catalysts with surface-localized high temperature in peroxymonosulfate-based Fenton-like systems for enhanced antibiotics degradation

This study delves into integrating single-atom catalysts with photothermal effect in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based Fenton-like systems for enhanced pollutant degradation. A single-atom photothermal catalyst (Co/PMCNs) was designed using mesoporous carbon spheres as both a single-atom support and a photothermal material. Near-infrared (NIR) light was employed due to its superior thermal effect and penetration capacity in water. It was found that Co/PMCNs could generate surface-localized high temperatures for accelerating PMS activation and reducing energy gap of activation reactions, leading to improved degradation performance. Surface-localized high temperatures were demonstrated as key in distinguishing photothermal heating from external heat sources for PMS activation. Moreover, this system performed well across various operating conditions and water matrices, with Co/PMCNs showing promising recyclability. This study highlights the impact of surface-localized high temperatures on heterogeneous catalysis under NIR irradiation, and underscores the potential of integrating single-atom catalysts with photothermal effects into advanced oxidation processes for effective water pollution control.