Interfacial OOH* mediated Fe(II) regeneration on the single atom Co-N-C catalyst for efficient Fenton-like processes.

Fe(II) regeneration is decisive for highly efficient HO-based Fenton-like processes, but the role of cobalt-containing reactive sites in promoting Fe(II) regeneration was overlooked. Herein, a single atom Co-N-C catalyst was employed in Fe(II)/HO system to promote the degradation of diverse organic contaminants. The EPR and quenching experiments indicated Co-N-C significantly enhanced the generation of superoxide species, and accelerated hydroxyl radical generation for pollutant degradation.

Boosting the singlet oxygen production from HO activation with highly dispersed Co-N-graphene for pollutant removal.

Singlet oxygen (O) is a promising reactive species for the selective degradation of organic pollutants. However, it is difficult to generate O from HO activation with high efficiency and selectivity. In this work, a graphene-supported highly dispersed cobalt catalyst with abundant Co-N active sites (Co-N-graphene) was synthesized for activating HO.