The preparation of CONC/AC mesoporous materials based on artificial nano-compartment based on activated carbon holes and catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate for ciprofloxacin degradation

Owing to the inspiration from microreactors, mesoporous Co₃O₄ nano-particle/carbon nitride/activated carbon (CONC/AC) was prepared via artificial nanocavity. 20 mg/L of ciprofloxacin (CIP) was degraded by CONC/AC activating PMS within 9 min. The effects on degradation efficiency of CIP were discussed, including the catalyst dosage, PMS concentration, and initial pH value. Besides, the environmental application value of CONC/AC was evaluated. For instance, the degradation efficiency of CIP, norfloxacin (NOR), ofloxacin (OFL), and levofloxacin (LEV) in simulated wastewater was investigated. Moreover, the effect of inorganic ions on removal efficiency of CIP were studied. Meanwhile, the reusability of CONC/AC was measured. The main ROSs in CIP degradation was confirmed by chemical scavenger and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The electrochemical experiments identified that electron-transfer process was the important catalysis mechanisms. CONC/AC displayed perfect stability in removal efficiency during the nine successive cycles of photocatalysis and supported its potential for environmental applications. This works implied that artificial nanocavity was an effective tool to prepare metal-based catalyst.