Atomic Co sites confined on TiO2 nanofibers via metal-support interactions toward efficient peroxymonosulfate activation for norfloxacin removal

The design and development of efficient transition metal-based catalyst materials are crucial for the removal of antibiotic contaminants from wastewater. Herein, we report the synthesis of atomic Co sites on titania nanofibers (Co-TNFs) through metal-support interaction, aimed at the effective degradation of antibiotic norfloxacin (NOR) via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Characterization results indicate that the TNFs support confines atomic Co sites through Ti-O-Co coordination bond, facilitating electron transfer from Co sites to PMS. Consequently, the optimized Co-TNFs catalyst achieved a NOR removal efficiency of 98.6 ​% within 30 ​min in the presence of PMS. The confined atomic Co sites are suggested to improve PMS adsorption and accelerate electrons migration, thereby promoting the generation of reactive species such as Co(IV)=O, •OH, SO 4 •− , and •O 2 − , which significantly enhance NOR degradation capacity. This study offers an alternative strategy for designing novel atomic-site metal-based catalysts for the efficient elimination of antibiotic residues. • Atomic Co sites confined on TiO 2 nanofibers (Co-TNFs) via metal-support interactions were fabricated by molten salt method. • Co-TNFs exhibits excellent norfloxacin removal efficiency in the presence of peroxymonosulfate. • Co(IV)=O, •OH, SO 4 •− , and •O 2 − are the dominant reactive species for norfloxacin degradation.