High atom utility of robust Ca-Co bimetallic catalyst for efficient Fenton-like catalysis in advanced oxidation processes

A durable catalyst composed of Ca-Co bimetallic complex structures on a large-scale substrate was fabricated for efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in organic pollutant degradation. Specifically, amidoxime groups were introduced onto the polymer substrate via radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP), followed by selective adsorption of Ca2+ and Co2+ ions. The catalyst demonstrated high effectiveness and stability in degrading 10 mg/L of tetracycline hydrochloride within 8 min by activating PMS under a broad pH range of 3–9. Structural characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the precise doping of Ca2+, which regulated the energy level and enhanced the dispersion of Co2+. The combination of bulk substrates and fine structural control in catalytic process provided new ideas for the design of similar catalysts.