Unveiling the Origins of Selective Oxidation in Single-Atom Catalysis via Co–N 4 –C Intensified Radical and Nonradical Pathways

Single-atom catalysts (SACs)-based peroxymonosulfate (PMS) systems are highly selective to the type of organic pollutants while the mechanisms remain ambiguous. In this work, we carried out experimental and theoretical investigations to reveal the origins of selectivity of radical and nonradical pathways in a designated Co–N4–C/PMS system. Two typical pollutants [bisphenol A (BPA) and metronidazole (MNZ)] with different molecular structures were employed for comparison. We found that radical oxidation (SO4•– and HO•) and nonradical electron-transfer pathway (ETP) co-existed in the Co–N4–C/PMS system. Pollutants (e.g., MNZ) with a high redox potential were degraded primarily by free radicals rather than ETP,…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 52170086
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province

  Award: ZR2021ME013
• AR
  Australian Research Council

  Award: DE210100253