Enhanced Peroxymonosulfate Activation via Bi12CoO20/rGO with Near-Infrared Photothermal Response for Antibiotics Degradation

Against the backdrop of escalating antibiotic pollution, this study presents a novel approach to remediation using a photothermal heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst, Bi₁₂CoO₂₀/rGO, which efficiently activates peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under near-infrared (NIR) light. This catalyst capitalize on the NIR absorption capabilities of Bi₁₂CoO₂₀ and the electron transfer properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The restored sp2 structure of rGO serves as a conduit for electron transfer, crucial for the redox cycle of Co²⁺/Co³⁺ that facilitates PMS activation. Moreover, the incorporation of rGO significantly boosts the NIR absorption capacity of Bi₁₂CoO₂₀, thereby enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency of the composite and further promoting PMS activation. This synergy enables efficient light-to-heat conversion and PMS activation, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) essential for antibiotic degradation. Using levofloxacin (LVX) as a representative pollutant, the developed system achieves an impressive 99 % degradation rate within just 30 min under Bi₁₂CoO₂₀/rGO+PMS+NIR conditions. Moreover, this approach demonstrates robust stability and adaptability across diverse water compositions and pH ranges. Its eco-friendly nature and renewable characteristics position it as a promising solution for combating antibiotic pollution through photothermal Fenton-like technology, thereby harnessing solar energy for environmental remediation and fostering sustainable water management practices.