Development of 3-dimensional Co_3O_4 catalysts with various morphologies for activation of Oxone to degrade 5-sulfosalicylic acid in water

摘要

Since 5-sulfosalicylic acid (SFA) has been increasingly released to the environment, SO_4·~- -based oxidation processes using Oxone have been considered as useful methods to eliminate SFA. As Co_3O_4 has been a promising material for OX activation, the four 3D Co_3O_4 catalysts with distinct morphologies, including Co_3O_4-C (with cubes), Co_3O_4-P (with plates), Co_3O_4-N (with needles) and Co_3O_4-F (with floral structures), are fabricated for activating OX to degrade SFA. In particular, Co_3O_4-F not only exhibits the highest surface area but also possesses the abundant Co~(2+) and more reactive surface, making Co_3O_4-F the most advantageous 3D Co_3O_4 catalyst for OX activation to degrade SFA. The mechanism of SFA by this 3D CO_3O_4/OX is also investigated and the corresponding SFA degradation pathway has been elucidated. The catalytic activities of Co_3O_4 catalysts can be correlated to physical and chemical properties which were associated with particular morphologies to provide insights into design of 3D Co_3O_4-based catalysts for OX-based technology to degrade emerging contaminants, such as SFA.