Significant roles of surface functional groups and Fe/Co redox reactions on peroxymonosulfate activation by hydrochar-supported cobalt ferrite for simultaneous degradation of monochlorobenzene and p-chloroaniline.

CoFe 2 O 4 /hydrochar composites (FeCo@HC) were synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method and utilized to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for simultaneous degradation of monochlorobenzene (MCB) and p-chloroaniline (PCA). Additionally, the effects of humic acid, Cl-, HCO 3 -, H 2 PO 4 -, HPO 4 2- and water matrices were investigated and degradation pathways of MCB and PCA were proposed. The removal efficiencies of MCB and PCA were higher in FeCo@HC140–10/PMS system obtained under hydrothermal temperature of 140 °C than FeCo@HC180–10/PMS and FeCo@HC220–10/PMS systems obtained under higher temperatures. Radical species (i.e., SO 4 • -, •OH) and nonradical pathways (i.e., 1O 2 , Fe (IV)/Co (IV) and electron transfer through surface FeCo@HC140–10/PMS* complex) co-occurred in the FeCo@HC140–10/PMS system, while radical and nonradical pathways were dominant in degrading MCB and PCA respectively. The surface functional groups (i.e., C-OH and C O) and Fe/Co redox cycles played crucial roles in the PMS activation. MCB degradation was significantly inhibited in the mixed MCB/PCA solution over that in the single MCB solution, whereas PCA degradation was slightly promoted in the mixed MCB/PCA solution. These findings are significant for the provision of a low-cost and environmentally-benign synthesis of bimetal-hydrochar composites and more detailed understanding of the related mechanisms on PMS activation for simultaneous removal of the mixed contaminants in groundwater. [Display omitted] • CoFe 2 O 4 /hydrochar-PMS for removing mixed MCB/PCA in groundwater was studied. • Surface functional groups and Fe/Co redox cycles were crucial for PMS activation. • SO 4 • -, •OH, Fe(IV)/Co(IV), 1O 2 and electron transfer co-occurred during activation. • Radical and nonradical pathways dominated in degrading MCB and PCA respectively. • Inhibited MCB and enhanced PCA removal were shown in the mixed contaminant solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]