Enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation via CoMoO4 anchored on Ganoderma lucidum residue-derived biochar: Self-templated architecture and dual-pathway catalysis

Addressing the dual challenge of herbal medicine residue disposal and emerging contaminant remediation, this study pioneered a simple, scalable approach by converting natural tubular Ganoderma lucidum residue into hierarchically porous biochar (GLBC). The GLBC's open interconnected channels and higher specific surface area enable effective immobilization for CoMoO 4 nanoparticle, constructing a CoMoO 4 @GLBC heterostructure for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to degrade bisphenol A (BPA). The CoMoO 4 @GLBC/PMS system achieved complete degradation of BPA (15 mg L −1 ) within 9 min (k obs  = 0.78 min −1 ), surpassing single-metal catalysts (Co@GLBC and Mo@GLBC) by 10.7 and 28.2 fold, respectively. A synergistic radical / non-radical mechanism involved BPA degradation, where SO 4 •− primarily generated through Co/Mo interaction-mediated activation of PMS dominated the radical pathway, and 1 O 2 production from C O reduction on CoMoO 4 @GLBC and direct electron transfer (DET) facilitated by reduced charge-transfer resistance of CoMoO 4 @GLBC were non-radical mechanism. The possible BPA degradation pathways, ecotoxicity evolution of intermediates, reusability and practical application of CoMoO 4 @GLBC were investigated. In addition, CoMoO 4 @GLBC/PMS system exhibited an excellent broad-spectrum degradation capability for pharmaceuticals and dye, and compared to other Co-based catalysts (e.g. CoFe 2 O 4 and Co 3 O 4 ), the Mo in CoMoO 4 acted as an electron buffer enhanced the Co (II)/Co (III) redox cycle and reduced Co leaching. This work proves the significant potential of Ganoderma lucidum residue as a low-cost, high-performance material for environmentally sound applications in efficient environmental remediation.