Degradation of organic compounds through both radical and nonradical activation of peroxymonosulfate using CoWO4 catalysts

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Environmental, 2023-05, Vol.324, p.122266, Article 122266
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Anh Quoc Khuong, Ahn, Yong-Yoon, Shin, Gwanyong, Cho, Younsang, Lim, Jonghun, Kim, Kitae, Kim, Jungwon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aqueous organic compounds; Cobalt tungstate; Nonradical mechanism; Peroxymonosulfate activation; Sulfate radical
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.122266

In this study, we synthesized high-efficiency stable CoWO4 nanoparticles that can be used as peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activators for water treatment by adjusting the pH during hydrothermal synthesis. The CoWO4 catalyst synthesized at pH 10 (CoWO4_10), which had the largest surface area and the best charge transfer characteristics, showed the highest degradation efficiency for 4-chlorophenol and the highest stability for metal ion leaching. The first-order degradation rate constant was 10.9 min−1, and the Co and W leaching concentrations after 1 h of catalytic reaction were 1.1 and 4.2 μM, respectively. All the 16 tested organic compounds were rapidly degraded. The degradation performance of CoWO4_10 was 2.4−83.6 times better than those of other Co-based metal oxides. In this regard, the CoWO4_10 can be considered a practical PMS activator. This study provides a simple strategy for the development of highly efficient and stable bimetallic oxides that can be utilized in various fields. [Display omitted] •CoWO4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a hydrothermal method under various pH.•CoWO4 catalysts were employed as PMS activators for degrading organic compounds.•CoWO4 synthesized at pH 10 showed the highest catalytic activity and stability.•Degradation occurs through both radical and nonradical mechanisms.•Various organic compounds were rapidly degraded in the CoWO4/PMS system.