Co7Fe3/CoFe2O4@C Lamellar composites derived from Co–Fe LDH/PVA as an effective heterogeneous activator of peroxymonosulfate

Here we present a simple method to prepare a highly efficient three components nanocomposites via thermal degradation of layered double metal hydroxides (LDHs)@polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites. Co 7 Fe 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 @C obtained from this method is applied to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade polluted organics and showed excellent performance. The best removal RhB efficiency of Co 7 Fe 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 @C (Co/Fe = 1:1) is near 100% within 10 min and the lowest ions elution (∼0.05 mg/L) under pH = 7, which is also better than the performance of the precursor Co–Fe LDH. Through further cycling experiments and degradation of p -nitrophenol, the stability and catalytic performance of the catalyst were verified. Finally, free radical scavenging experiments prove ·OH and SO 4 · - radicals participating in the reaction, which are the key factors for degradation. Based on the above, the derivation of the mechanism of Co 7 Fe 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 @C (Co/Fe = 1:1) catalyzing PMS to degrade polluted organics was proposed, and we consider this catalyst has great application prospect.