BiMO₃ (M = Co, Fe, Mn) perovskite activating peroxymonosulfate-based advanced oxidation process in imidacloprid degradation

Bi-containing ABO₃-type perovskites have been extensively studied for their crystal structure, lead-free ferroelectricity, multiferroic properties, and more recently, photocatalysis. However, there are few reports on their application in PMS-based advanced oxidation processes. In this study, BiMO₃ (M = Co, Fe, Mn) was readily synthesized using a hydrothermal method and combined with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade the persistent pollutant imidacloprid in water. BiCoO₃/PMS demonstrated efficient imidacloprid degradation at pH 9. The concentration of PMS and the catalyst significantly influence the degradation efficiency. The redox reaction of Co²⁺/Co³⁺ was identified as the primary driving force for activating PMS. The mechanism of imidacloprid degradation by BiCoO₃/PMS was also investigated. This low-cost, easily prepared material offers a new approach for removing organic pollutants from water.