Co3O4/Molecular Sieve Catalyst Activated Peroxymonosulfate Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been proven to be an effective method for the removal of tetracycline in water. In this study, the Co₃O₄/molecular sieve catalyst synthesized by the incipient wetness impregnation method was used for PMS activation. The effect of specific surface area on the catalytic performance of Co₃O₄/molecular sieve catalyst was investigated and analyzed in detail by characterization techniques. In the Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation experiment, the Co₃O₄/13X catalyst exhibited the highest specific surface area (490.584 m²/g) and provide abundant active sites, enabling 98.0% TCH degradation within 30 min under optimal conditions (1.5 g catalyst, 0.3 mM PMS, pH 8.0, 25℃), with a reaction rate constant (k_obs) of 0.0977 min^-1. In addition, the degradation mechanism of TCH was explored using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and quenching experiments. It was confirmed that free radicals (SO₄^•−, •OH, O₂^•−) and non-free radical species (¹O₂) generated during the reaction play a crucial role in the degradation process of TCH. In summary, the Co₃O₄/13X catalyst, when activating PMS, exhibits a remarkable synergistic effect on the degradation of TCH, and shows good repeatability and environmental adaptability. This study provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of catalysts for degrading antibiotic pollutants in water treatment processes.

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