Enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation by P-doped and hydrogen-etched cobalt sulfide for efficient pollutant degradation

The advancement of PMS (peroxymonosulfate)-activating platforms with high activity and wide adaptability carries substantial significance in wastewater remediation. Employing dual-phase modification via phosphorization and H₂-Ar etching, we fabricate multi-component active centers (sulfides/phosphides) to achieve enhanced activity and extended degradation capability toward diverse pollutants. To evaluate practical applicability, key process parameters, including catalyst dosage, PMS concentration, and TC (tetracycline) concentration, were optimized. Concurrently, the effects of common interfering ions, pH variations, and different water matrices (river water and seawater) on TC degradation were investigated. Results demonstrate that the catalytic system achieves 100 % TC removal at 20 mg L −1 TC and 94.5 % removal at 30 mg L −1 TC. The system maintained high degradation efficiency with minimal impact from interfering ions and diverse water sources, demonstrating robust environmental adaptability. Additionally, it exhibits efficient degradation performance across a wide range of contaminant species. ESR (electron spin resonance spectroscopy) analysis coupled with quenching experiments verified that ·OH, SO₄· − , and 1 O₂ mediate organic pollutant degradation, wherein singlet oxygen ( 1 O₂) plays a dominant role. • Multi-component active centers were construct to achieve enhanced PMS activation. • Phosphorization and H₂-Ar etching are efficient strategy for PMS activation. • P-doped and hydrogen-etched cobalt sulfide displays strong degradation capability. • The catalytic system achieves 100 % TC removal at 20 mg L −1 TC.