Intermetallic Bond Mediated Singlet Oxygen Generation System for Emerging Pollutants Detoxification in Carbon‐Neutral Water Purification

ABSTRACT Mineralization‐driven advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) effectively remove emerging pollutants but often require substantial energy input and generate considerable carbon emissions, conflicting with carbon‐neutrality goals. Here, we develop a transformation‐focused AOP based on cobalt‐doped lanthanum oxycarbonate (Co‐LC), which activates peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to selectively generate singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ). Experimental and theoretical results reveal that Co–La bonding interactions reconfigure the local electronic environment, stabilize high‐valent O* intermediates, and lower the energy barrier for 1 O 2 formation. The Co‐LC/PMS system exhibits a transformation rate 49.23 times that of pristine LC and selectively destroys the carcinogenic amino and naphthalene moieties of 1‐naphthylamine. Ecotoxicological assays using Chlorella vulgaris confirm complete elimination of biological risks, with physiological indicators returning to baseline levels after treatment. A continuous‐flow packed‐bed reactor maintained >94% removal efficiency for 37 days and increased the BOD 5 /COD ratio of real wastewater from 0.25 to 0.50. Life‐cycle assessment further shows 85.6% lower CO 2 emissions and reduced operating costs compared with the Co 3 O 4 /PMS system. This study establishes a low‐carbon detoxification strategy that prioritizes toxicity elimination over complete mineralization for sustainable water purification.