In-situ growth of Mn2O3/MnCo2O4 on 3D nickel foam as a novel heterogeneous composites peroxymonosulfate activator for the degradation of levofloxacin: Performance, stability and mechanism

The in-situ generation of nanostructured materials on the metal-based carriers nickel foam (NF) is a novel technique for water remediation materials. In this study, Mn2O3/MnCo2O4 materials were successfully produced in situ on three-dimensional (3D) NF substrates using hydrothermal followed by calcination. Mn2O3/MnCo2O4@NF can synergistically activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS), leading to efficient levofloxacin degradation (LEVO). At optimal conditions (catalyst dosage of 0.50 × 0.50 cm2, PMS dosage of 0.30 g/L, PH = 6.75), the removal rate of LEVO (10 mg/L) by Mn2O3/MnCo2O4@NF could obtain 91.8 % within 30 min (reaction kinetic rate constant (Kobs) = 0.2063 min−1). In addition to acting as a support carrier and exposing an abundance of active sites, NF also mediates and facilitates electron transport, inhibits metal ions' leaching, and improves recycling's effectiveness. The system can remove contaminants through a combination of radical (SO4·–, ·OH) and non-free radical (1O2, surface electron transfer) pathways. Eleven intermediates in the degradation of LEVO were identified via the HPLC-MS. The biotoxicity of the intermediates was measured using the Ecological Structure-Activity Relationship (ECOSAR) technique, demonstrating that the catalyst is environmentally friendly and safe. The study has broad applicability and prospect, providing a new strategy for developing other nickel foam-based materials for the remediation of the aqueous environment.