Electrospun PVA/Co3O4 Nanofibers: A Sustainable Catalyst for Peroxymonosulfate-Mediated Degradation of Tetracycline

This study develops a poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber incorporated with cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) for catalytic degradation of antibiotics using peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate sulfate radical (SO₄ ^•-) (E° = 2.5-3.1 V vs NHE). These radicals efficiently degrade tetracycline through selective oxidation, offering advantages over conventional hydroxyl radical-based processes. The nanofiber fabrication involved electrospinning of PVA (8% w/v) containing cobalt oxide suspension (5 g L^-1) and citric acid (15% w/w polymer). Thermal cross-linking at 160 °C for 2 h enhanced the material's aqueous stability and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform fibers (627-645 nm diameter), while X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses, and spectroscopy confirmed increased crystallinity in PVA/Co₃O₄ composites. Optimization studies through factorial design identified pH and PMS concentration as key parameters, achieving 60% tetracycline degradation within 60 min. The successful integration of Co₃O₄ into biodegradable PVA nanofibers presents a sustainable, cost-effective approach for water treatment applications, particularly targeting emerging pharmaceutical contaminants.