Activation of Peroxymonosulfate with ZIF-67-derived Co/N-doped Porous Carbon Nanocubes for the Degradation of Congo Red Dye

In this study, porous carbon nanaocubes encapsulated magnetic metallic Co nanoparticles (denoted as Co@N-PCNC) was prepared via pyrolyzing ZIF-67 nanocubes precursor at 600°C, and characterized by various technologies. It was used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade Congo red (CR) dye efficiently. Over 98.45% of 50 mg/L CR with initial pH of 5.5 was degraded by 100 mg/L PMS activated by 10 mg/L Co@N-C within 12 min. The free radical quenching experiments were performed to reveal the nature of the reactive oxygen species radicals generated throughout the catalytic oxidation of CR. The effects of common inorganic anions and water matrix on CR removal were studied. The Co@N-PCNC displayed good operational stability, and after three cycles, the CR removal rate can still maintain over 90% after 12 min reaction.