Enhanced activation of peroxymonosulfate on layered molybdenum disulfide loaded with Co–La bimetallic oxide for efficient degradation of chloramphenicol

The use of transition metal‐activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as an advanced oxidation technology has gained recognition. This study developed a catalyst using cobalt–lanthanum bimetallic oxide supported on layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) as a carrier. The Co–La/MoS 2 catalyst was synthesised through coprecipitation, followed by calcination with an optimised metal ratio of Co:La = 2:1 to activate PMS and degrade trace chloramphenicol (CAP) in water. The chemical composition of the catalyst was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At catalyst and PMS dosages of 0.1 and 0.5 g·L −1 , respectively, the degradation rate of CAP was 95% within 30 min. The catalyst exhibited strong resistance to most interfering anions and maintained a high degradation rate at pH 3–11. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed the potential degradation pathways of CAP in the Co–La/MoS 2 (2:1)/PMS system. For other pollutants, such as oxytetracycline, complete degradation was achieved within 20 min, demonstrating the broad applicability of the Co–La/MoS 2 (2:1)/PMS system for the degradation and removal of antibiotic organic contaminants. This study offers a feasible approach for the degradation of antibiotic organic pollutants, including CAP, in natural water bodies.