Insights into the high performance of Co–Mn oxide supported by carbon fiber frameworks for ciprofloxacin oxidation process

In this study, a manganese-cobalt bimetalli oxide composite material was innovatively prepared by the chemical co-precipitation method at low temperatures, in which activated carbon fibers (ACFs) as an organic carbon skeleton carrier could strengthen the stability of nanomaterials. The as-obtained composites were promising with rich chemical bonds, high redox properties, appreciable adsorption capacity, remarkable catalytic performance, and favorable stability. Experimental results showed that within 120 min, the composites could effectively degrade more than 90% of ciprofloxacin (CIP) by activating peroxomonosulfate (PMS). The electron transfer between the bimetal oxides improved the catalytic activation efficiency. The mechanism study suggested that SO4·−, ·OH, O2·−, and 1O2 are the main active substances, and combined with LSV and multimeter, it was found that there was electron transfer in the reaction system and Co3O4–Mn3O4@ACFs had the strongest electron transfer capability. In addition, the synthesized Co3O4–Mn3O4@ACFs have the potential for a wide range of applications due to the advantages of efficient PMS utilization efficiency and easy recovery properties. This work provided another perspective on the degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in aqueous matrices in persulfate-based AOPs.