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[Display omitted] Increasing water pollution has imposed great threats to public health, and made efficient monitoring and remediation technologies critical to a clean environment. In this study, a versatile heterojunction of Au nanoparticles modified phosphorus doped carbon nitride (Au/P-CN) is designed and fabricated. The Au/P-CN heterostructure demonstrates improved light absorption, rapid separation of charge carriers, and improved electrical conductivity. Taking the toxic 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) as an example, an ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor is successfully demonstrated, exhibiting a wide linear range (0.1–52.1 μM), low detection limit (∼0.02 μM), significant stability and selectivity, as well as reliable analysis in real samples. Moreover, efficient photocatalytic degradation with a high removing efficiency (∼87%) toward 4-CP is also achieved, outperforming its counterpart of Au nanoparticles (NPs) modified graphitic carbon nitride (Au/g−CN, ∼59%). This work paves a new way for efficient and simultaneous detection and remediation of organic pollutants over versatile photoactive catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cobalt doped Fe 2 O 3 nanospheres were synthesised via a solvothermal route. • 3% cobalt doping was most efficient for peroxymonosulfate activation in degradation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. • Identification of free radicals was done by quenching tests and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. • Detailed mechanistic studies on peroxymonosulfate activation and degradation pathways were performed. Environmental remediation has become more effective when using nanotechnologies. In this study, iron oxide (α-Fe 2 O 3) nanospheres with different cobalt doping levels (xCo-Fe 2 O 3) were synthesised and applied in the heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA). The catalyst (3Co-Fe 2 O 3) with 3% Co doping exhibits the best performance for PMS activation, possibly because of the larger specific surface area and the tailored catalyst surface as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Reaction parameters were investigated to optimise the degradation efficiency. The metal ions leaching tests confirmed the higher stability of the catalyst, thanks to the leaching suppression by the doping of Co2+. The main contribution of free radicals (SO 4 •- and •OH) was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, whereas partial contribution of oxygen anions and singlet oxygen (O 2 •-, 1O 2) was observed during the quenching tests. Finally, a radical based degradation mechanism was proposed for the removal of p-HBA. It is expected to open up a novel perspective for the application of iron oxide as a potential catalyst for the removal of emerging contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel nitrogen-doped graphene cubes (NGCs) were synthesised. • The lightweight NGCs were employed for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation. • Identification of reactive oxygen species was conducted. • Comprehensive mechanistic studies on SMX degradation were performed. As a sustainable and green approach, carbocatalysis, a metal-free strategy, has shown exceptional results in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Nonetheless, the recovery of these catalysts has been a major shortcoming over the years. Herein, three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene macrostructures (3D-NGMs), in the form of macro cubes, were synthesised by a simple cross-linking and thermal annealing procedure, after which they were employed in the activation of peroxydisulfate (PS) for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The catalytic cubes were loaded with different amounts of nitrogen precursor to investigate the role of nitrogen configuration in the sp2 hybridised carbon network on AOPs. NGC3 cubes with optimum N-loading exhibited outstanding performance for SMX degradation owing to their optimum N/C ratio. Various reaction parameters were studied to optimise the catalytic system. Comprehensive studies on the radical generation were done and illustrated the dominance of the non-radical pathway leading to the proposal of a possible reaction mechanism for SMX. This study not only suggests the role of nitrogen doping on graphene macrostructures but also provides novel insights into macro catalysis to overcome the recovery challenges posed by nano catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A perforated CuFe 2 O 4 /Fe 2 O 3 composite was designed by a MOF-derived solid-state process. • The composite shows efficient PMS activation for sulfamethoxazole degradation. • Both radical and non-radical degradation contributed to SMX remediation. • Possible degradation mechanisms were proposed. • The catalyst shows excellent stability and reusability via magnetic recovery. Design of metal–organic framework (MOF) derived metal oxides is an effective approach for environmental remediation. The current study describes the fabrication of MIL-53-derived perforated CuFe 2 O 4 /Fe 2 O 3 using a facile, one-step, post-thermal solid-state approach by varying Cu/Fe ratios. Herein, the release of CO 2 and H 2 O during the thermal treatment facilitates the incorporation of Cu2+ onto the Fe 2 O 3 structure, forming a perforated hollow CuFe 2 O 4 /Fe 2 O 3 composite via an in-situ ion-exchange mechanism. The optimised catalyst CF-0.5 displays a high degradation efficiency for the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) by heterogeneous activation of peroxymonsulfate (PMS), ascribing to the better textural, morphological, and elemental properties of the novel catalyst. Important reaction parameters such as pH, catalyst loading, PMS dosage, pollutant kind and concentration, and reaction temperature are further optimised to develop a cost-effective catalytic system. The magnetically recoverable catalyst outlines a high stability rate, and only a 9 % efficiency loss is observed even after the fourth cycle. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are identified by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and their roles are determined by performing quenching experiments. In the end, a detailed study of the mineralisation ability and reaction intermediates is performed and possible pathways for the degradation mechanism are proposed. This study not only introduces a facile approach for the fabrication of MOF-driven nanomaterials but provides insights into the removal of emerging contaminants such as SMX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, potassium hydroxide-treated animal bones were employed​ as a solid heterogeneous catalyst in transesterification of waste cooking oil. This catalyst was characterized by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and it displayed high-catalytic activity for biodiesel production. Optimum conditions for biodiesel production were catalyst loading 6.0% (w/w) of oil, methanol/oil molar ratio 9:1, calcination temperature 800°C, reaction temperature 65°C, and reaction time of 5 h, which gave maximum biodiesel yield of 84%. Reusability of the catalyst was also confirmed by repeated use of the same catalyst three times without losing much of its activity. Hence, calcined goat bones were found to be a potentially applicable catalyst for biodiesel production at industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel g-C 3 N 4 /Fe 2 O 3 /rGO ternary composite was synthesised using a hydrothermal process. • The catalyst exhibits a high photocatalytic oxidation efficiency for the removal of sulfamethoxazole. • Reactive oxygen species were identified by quenching tests and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. • Detailed mechanistic studies were performed to deduce the radical and non-radical degradation pathways. Rational design of semiconductor photocatalysts is an effective way to achieve efficient visible-light-driven environmental remediation. Herein, a series of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) engineered hematite (Fe 2 O 3)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) photocatalysts were synthesised and employed in visible-light-driven photo-Fenton-like degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The exceptional performance of the optimal photocatalyst (0.4-FerGCN-3) was achieved because of the successful structural integration of g-C 3 N 4 /Fe 2 O 3 /rGO for efficient separation and migration of photoinduced charge carriers (e−/h+). Photochemical decomposition efficiency was also optimised by analysing the important reaction parameters such as initial catalyst loading, initial H 2 O 2 dosage, pH, and reaction temperature. Detailed studies on the generation of reactive species and degradation intermediates were performed to propose a possible mechanism for SMX degradation. The findings may provide not only a strategy for nanostructure engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts but also insights into the effective remediation of emerging contaminants such as SMX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide beads (NrGOb) were fabricated by a one-step self-assembly strategy. • The lightweight NrGOBs and peroxymonosulfate system presented high activity in oxidative degradation of organic pollutants. • The catalytic beads were packed in a fixed-bed column reactor to maintain a continuous process. • Reactive radicals were identified by the quenching tests and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. • Mechanistic studies on peroxymonosulfate activation and degradation pathways of hydroxybenzoic acid were performed. Metal-free graphene-based catalysts have demonstrated excellent performance in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, the recovery and reusability of these nanocatalysts are still a major issue. In this study, three dimensional (3D) nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide beads (NrGOb) were synthesized via a self-assembly method and then applied in heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the oxidation of hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA). The materials (NrGOb) were annealed at various temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000 °C, and the resulting NrGOb derived from 800 °C (NrGOb-800) exhibited the best performance for PMS activation. To avoid the challenging recovery, the degradation experiments were also performed in a packed-bed catalytic reactor. Various reaction parameters were investigated to optimize the efficiency of the system. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching tests were carried out to differentiate the contribution of reactive radicals (SO 4 •- and •OH) in the degradation process and then aided in illustrating the degradation mechanism. Finally, the stability and reusability of the catalytic beads were investigated. The efficiency slightly declined with increased cycles; however, catalyst regeneration would be able to partially restore the active sites. The results suggest the feasibility of exploiting graphene-based macrostructures on the AOPs platform for the degradation of organic pollutants in commercial wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • α-Fe 2 O 3 of cuboid/rhombohedral, spheroidal, rice-like, and plate-like were synthesised. • Photo-Fenton-like degradation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA) and sulfachloropyridazine (SCP) was conducted. • Correlation among atomic configuration of the exposed facets, specific surface area and photocatalytic activity was established. • Degradation mechanism and pathways for p-HBA and SCP were proposed. Hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3) with different shapes and preferentially exposed facets may differ in surface energy and atomic configuration resulting in versatile catalysis. Herein, four morphologies of α-Fe 2 O 3 nanocrystals, e.g. cuboid/rhombohedral, spheroid, rice-like, and plate-like are synthesised by hydrothermal/solvothermal routes. The correlation between morphology and photochemical performance is established by investigating the photo-Fenton-like degradation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA) and sulfachloropyridazine (SCP). The plate-like sample demonstrates the highest removal efficiency, whereas the normalised reaction rate by specific surface area shows the reaction order as cuboid/rhombohedral > plate-like > spheroid > rice-like. This can be ascribed to the synergistic role of the surface atomic arrangement and specific surface area. The main reactive species and degradation pathways were studied in detail. The research findings may offer new insights into the morphology/facet-dependent photochemical remediation of emerging contaminants (ECs) on α-Fe 2 O 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the gradual increase of microplastics (MPs) in water and wastewater streams, it is imperative to investigate their removal using tertiary treatment systems to minimize and preferably prevent their entrance into aquatic environments. Forward osmosis (FO) is a non-pressurized membrane process with potential applications in MPs removal from wastewater. However, efficient application of FO systems relies on developing high-performance FO membranes with low fouling tendency. MPs are proven as emerging foulants in membrane systems, diminishing their performance and lifetime and this highlights the need to consider MP fouling in developing sustainable membranes. The current study focuses on a novel modification of thin film composite (TFC) FO membranes by MIL-53(Fe) as a water-stable and hydrophilic metal-organic framework. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimized FO membrane (0.2 wt% MIL-53(Fe)) achieved a significantly higher water flux (90% increase) with a 23% less reverse salt flux. The modified membrane also had significantly less flux decline in fouling experiments and higher flux recovery after physical cleaning compared to the control membrane affirming its higher antifouling efficiency. MIL-53(Fe) integration in the FO substrate proved to be a practical method for developing high-performance TFC FO membranes with improved antifouling properties against MPs and organic foulants. [Display omitted] • MIL-53(Fe) incorporation into TFC FO substrate enhanced the membranes' performance. • MIL-53(Fe) improved the hydrophilicity and porosity of the FO substrate. • TFC on the developed substrate had higher water flux and lower specific salt flux. • The modified membrane showed better microplastic antifouling properties. • MIL-53 modification improved the membranes' organic fouling resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane separation and sulfate radicals-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) can be combined as an efficient technique for the elimination of organic pollutants. The immobilization of metal oxide catalysts on ceramic membranes can enrich the membrane separation technology with catalytic oxidation avoiding recovering suspended catalysts. Herein, nanostructured Co 3 O 4 ceramic catalytic membranes with different Co loadings were fabricated via a simple ball-milling and calcination process. Uniform distribution of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles in the membrane provided sufficient active sites for catalytic oxidation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA). Mechanistic studies were conducted to determine the reactive radicals and showed that both SO 4 •− and •OH were present in the catalytic process while SO 4 •− plays the dominant role. The anti-fouling performance of the composite Co@Al 2 O 3 membranes was also evaluated, showing that a great flux recovery was achieved with the addition of PMS for the fouling caused by humic acid (HA). [Display omitted] • Co 3 O 4 integrated ceramic membranes were fabricated via a simple ball-milling and sintering approach. • Catalytic oxidation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was conducted in a crossflow membrane reactor. • Both SO 4 •− and •OH were present in the degradation with SO 4 •− as the dominant species. • Anti-fouling performance of the membranes was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Crumpled nanospherical MoS 2 was fabricated for nitrogen/carbon decorating and single Co-N 4 sites anchoring to obtain Co-N-C- cn MoS 2. • Atomically Co-N 4 sites in Co-N-C- cn MoS 2 dominantly contributed to ascendant activity on PMS based atrazine degradation. • The cn MoS 2 as a platform to hold single Co-N 4 sites, drove the ATZ oxidation in a second role, and accelerated Co2+/Co3+ cycles. • Good durability, tolerance to inorganic anions and cations, and a wide working pH range were also observed in the Co-N-C- cn MoS 2 /PMS system. • PMS was activated to mainly produce SO 4 • ‾ and 1O 2 for atrazine oxidation. Cobalt based nanomaterials are widely employed as effective catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Single atom catalysts (SACs) are state-of-the-art materials that endow active metal sites with maximal exposure to the reactants. In this study, molybdenum disulfide nanospheres with a crumpled surface (cn MoS 2) were designed and synthesized to decorate atomically dispersed Co-N 4 sites by immobilizing Co in its unique surface fold structure with a nitrogen/carbon coating. The resulting Co-N-C- cn MoS 2 catalysts were used to activate PMS for rapid degradation of atrazine (ATZ). The Co-N 4 sites were considered to be the main active sites, enabling the optimal 4.8Co-N-C- cn MoS 2 catalyst to remove 100 % of ATZ within 20 min. In addition, 4.8Co-N-C- cn MoS 2 catalyst also showed good durability, tolerance to inorganic anions and cations, and high activity in a wide pH range. The cn MoS 2 provided a platform to hold atomically Co-N 4 sites, played the degradation roles though it was secondary, and moreover accelerated Co2+/Co3+ cycles. In the 4.8Co-N-C- cn MoS 2 /PMS system, sulfate radical (SO 4 • ‾), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radical (O 2 • ‾) and singlet oxygen (1O 2) were generated, among which SO 4 • ‾ and 1O 2 were the predominant active substances triggering the ATZ degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Single atom Cu in the configuration of Cu-N 3 was anchored on hollow spherical g-C 3 N 4 to form SACu- hs CN. • The acetaminophen degradation activity of SACu- hs CN was superior to the sample of AGCu- hs CN with aggregated Cu particles via H 2 O 2 activation. • The SACu- hs CN/H 2 O 2 system degraded acetaminophen with a good durability. • 1O 2 unusually played a dominant role in degradation rather than the common OH radicals. Discharge of recalcitrant pharmaceuticals into aquatic systems has caused severe impacts on public health and ecosystem. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are effective for eliminating these refractory pollutants, for which single-atom catalysts (SACs) become the state-of-the-art materials owing to the maximized exposure of active metal sites. In this work, hollow spherical graphitic carbon nitride (hs CN) was fabricated to incorporate copper species to develop Fenton-like catalysts for acetaminophen (ACT) removal. Through pyrolysis of supramolecular assemblies derived from melamine-Cu complex and cyanuric acid, single atom Cu-N 3 sites were anchored on hs CN by N-coordination to obtain SACu- hs CN. In virtue of the atomically dispersed Cu-N 3 sites as well as the hollow structure of hs CN providing smooth channels for the interactions between single Cu atoms and reactants, the optimal 5.5SACu- hs CN removed 94.8% of ACT after 180 min of Fenton-like reactions, which was superior to that of 5.5AGCu- hs CN with aggregated Cu particles on hs CN (56.7% in 180 min). Moreover, 5.5SACu- hs CN was still active after four cycles of regeneration. The mechanism investigation demonstrated that both hydroxyl radicals (OH) and singlet oxygen (1O 2) contributed to ACT degradation in 5.5SACu- hs CN/H 2 O 2 system, in which non-radical 1O 2 played the dominant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various MnO x phases and crystals were investigated in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for oxidation of aqueous phenolic pollutants. MnO x with controlled crystal structure (α, β, γ, and amorphous-MnO 2) and redox states (Mn 2 O 3 , and MnO) can induce different oxidative pathways toward organic polymerization against degradation in acidic conditions. Surface MnⅡ (s) and MnⅢ (s) of MnO x tend to bond with PMS to generate confined Mn(Ⅱ, Ⅲ) (s) − (HO)OSO 3 − complexes to initiate a nonradical electron-transfer pathway (ETP). Meanwhile, high-valence MnⅣ (s) in MnO x will directly attack micropollutants and spontaneously be reduced to low-valence states (MnⅡ (s) and MnⅢ (s)) to initiate ETP. Mn 2 O 3 can activate PMS to generate other radical species for mineralization. ETP will selectively initiate one-electron abstraction of phenol molecules into monomer phenoxy radicals and polyphenols on catalyst surface. Thus, manganese crystal structures will govern the surface redox species to induce multiple oxidation pathways toward different polymer products for water decontamination and carbon recycle. [Display omitted] • MnO x catalysts induce organic polymerization/degradation by peroxymonosulfate (PMS). • Crystallinity and valence states of MnO x determine the reaction mechanism and routes. • Low valent Mn species tend to cause electron-transfer pathways (ETPs). • ETPs were responsible for the polymerization while radicals for degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]