New Insights into the Generation of Singlet Oxygen in the Metal-Free Peroxymonosulfate Activation Process: Important Role of Electron-Deficient Carbon Atoms

A nonradical oxidation process via metal-free peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation has recently attracted considerable attention for organic pollutant degradation; however, the origin of singlet oxygen (1O2) generation still remains controversial. In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets (NCN-900) derived from graphitic carbon nitride were developed for activation of PMS and elucidation of 1O2 production. With a large specific surface area (1218.7 m2 g–1) and high nitrogen content (14.5 at %), NCN-900 exhibits superior catalytic activity in PMS activation, as evidenced by complete degradation of bisphenol A within 2 min using 0.1 g L–1 NCN-900 and 2 mM PMS. Moreover, the reaction rate constant fitted by…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 51538013, 51808142
• MO
  Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China

  Award: 2016YFA0203200