Spatially isolated CoN quantum dots on carbon nanotubes enable a robust radical-free Fenton-like process.

We unprecedentedly report spatially separated CoN nanodots on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) a facile formamide condensation reaction. To our knowledge, CoN-CNTs outperform the activities of current catalysts in peroxymonosulfate activation. CoN-CNT-oriented radical-free degradation of contaminants shows robust anti-interference capacity toward environmental conditions. Our work will stimulate general interest in designing cost-effective and versatile quantum-/atom-sized catalysts with fully exposed active sites for water purification and beyond.