Efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate by FeCe bimetallic nanoparticle loaded biochar for high-efficiency acetaminophen degradation

• Fe and Ce-doped biochar was prepared to activate PMS for APAP degradation. • Fe species on the catalyst surface play a key role for PMS activation. • The synergistic effect of FeCe bimetallic promotes the circulation of Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ . • The validity of membrane filtration device indicated feasibility of the catalyst. Fe and Ce co-doped biochar composites were synthesized and used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade acetaminophen (APAP). The results indicated that the catalyst with 5 % Ce doping (FeCe 0.05 /BC) resulted in the best activation performance, achieving 99.9 % APAP removal within 15 min. Fe species were the main active sites, and the introduction of Ce promoted the redox cycle of Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ and accelerated the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Utilizing a combined approach of quenching studies and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we have conclusively demonstrated the pivotal ROSs (•OH, SO 4 •− , O 2 •− , and 1 O 2 ) were involved in the degradation of APAP. Moreover, FeCe 0.05 /BC showed excellent stability and applicability, which are important for practical water treatment operations. We further loaded the catalyst onto the filter membrane to develop a microfiltration device and demonstrated that APAP could be removed by simple passage through the filter.