Combination of N-doped porous carbon and g-C3N4 for effective removal of organic pollutants via activated peroxymonosulfate

Herein, N-doped porous carbon (NPC) and g-C3N4 were combined as peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator, showing excellent catalytic performance for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) and tetracycline (TC). A synergistic effect was proved to exist between NPC and g-C3N4 in the as-prepared catalyst (g-C3N4 @NPC). The radical quenching study, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement, LSV measurements and electrochemical EIS were performed to examine RhB degradation mechanism. The main degradation intermediates of RhB were identified by LC-MS, and the possible degradation pathways were proposed. The effects of pH, temperature and natural substances on RhB degradation were investigated. Cycling experiments and the degradation of RhB in tap water and river water showed that the g-C3N4 @NPC/PMS system had practical prospects for environmental remediation.