Multi-phase CdS loaded on biochar for photocatalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate for thiamethoxam degradation: π-conjugation improves PMS adsorption

Mounting evidence highlights the negative impacts of thiamethoxam (THM) on non-target organisms and ecosystem. Herein, multi-phase cadmium sulfide loaded on biochar (CdS@BC) was used to photocatalytic activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to remove THM. The obtained CdS@BC significantly improved the photocatalytic performance of PMS on THM degradation with a superior rate constant of 0.165 min−1, 60 times more than that of BC. In addition, the catalyst displayed excellent stability and reusability. The mechanism of free radical formation by adsorption activation of PMS adsorbed on CdS@BC was characterized using active species detection and Density functional theory (DFT) calculations. According to the DFT study, the phase junction and π-conjugated structure contribute to the stable migration of π-electrons, thus effectively activating the PMS to produce active substances for the degradation of THM. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the design and synthesis of effective catalysts for AOPs to remove emerging organic contaminants from wastewater.