Waste biomass-supported FeCo bimetallic MOF for the removal of 4-nitrophenol via peroxymonosulfate activation

The Advanced Oxidation Process (AOPs) has garnered significant attention as an efficient and promising technology for wastewater treatment in the field of environmental remediation. Currently, the exploration of highly effective catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation remains a focal point of scientific research, with increasing emphasis placed on the reuse of waste materials. In line with this objective, this study reports the synthesis of a Fe Co bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF)-sponge composite (FCS) via an in-situ growth method using discarded natural sponge as a support material. Subsequently, the carbonized derivative (FCSC), obtained through high-temperature carbonization, was employed as a catalyst for PMS activation. The resulting catalyst demonstrated remarkable efficiency in removing 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) from aqueous solutions. Utilizing waste natural sponge as a support not only facilitates resource recovery but also enables the uniform distribution of MOF particles within its inherent three-dimensional porous structure. This feature enhances the contact between the catalyst and pollutants, thereby improving catalytic performance. Moreover, diatomic active sites exhibit significantly higher degradation efficiency toward 4-NP compared to the monometallic configurations. This enhanced performance can be attributed to the more rapid generation of free radicals by diatomic structures during PMS activation, which accelerates electron transfer between metal centers and adjacent oxygen atoms. This work offers novel insights into the development of efficient strategies for the removal of organic contaminants.