Bimetallic Ni/Fe Atom Cluster Catalysts Enhance Non-free Radical Degradation of Organic Pollutant Phenol

Because of its high toxicity and severe degradation, phenol has caused serious environmental pollution, and it is urgent to explore a stable and efficient degradation method of phenol. In this study, Ni/Fe bimetallic atomic cluster composite catalyst activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade phenol efficiently. The experimental results show that the phenol degradation rate can reach 100% in a wide range of pH (3–11), and the system offers good stability in repeated experiments. The free radical quenching investigation and electrochemical characterization showed that the non-free radical pathway dominated the degradation system, and a large amount of singlet oxygen and rapid electron transfer promoted the efficient degradation of phenol in wastewater. This study opens up a new way for bimetallic atom cluster catalysts to activate PMS to degrade organic pollutants. Graphical