A novel strategy for promoting PMS activation: Enhanced utilization of side reactions

This study proposed a novel strategy to improve the activation efficiency of PMS by enhancing the utilization of side reactions. Electrocatalysis and PMS activation were coupled in the anode chamber. The electrons were extracted from the catalyst through the electroanode, and the excess low valence elements in the system were converted into high valence elements. Without restricting the activation of PMS, the activation efficiency of PMS was more effectively and comprehensively improved by enhancing the utilization of side reactions. An efficient electrocatalytic anode/Mn2O3/rGO/peroxymonosulfate (ECA/Mn2O3/rGO/PMS) system was established with Mn2O3/rGO as the anode. In this system, the anode current improved the catalyst utilization, which directly converts the excess rGO-C = O, Mn(II) and Mn(III) into rGO-C+-O, Mn(III) and Mn(IV), thereby increasing the yields of •OH, SO4•-, and 1O2 during PMS activation. Overall, this study provides a novel strategy for improving the activation efficiency of PMS, and has great potential to be widely applied in actual environment remediation.