Preparation of Co-Fe based Prussian blue analogs loaded nickel foams for Fenton-like degradation of tetracycline.

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) were frequently utilized for the degradation of various organic pollutants due to their efficient and clean advantages. In this work, Co-Fe based Prussian blue analogues (PBA) nanoparticles were firmly immobilized on nickel foam (NF) as a novel activator for peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and the complete degradation of tetracycline (TC) was achieved within 20 min under optimal conditions. The TC degradation efficiency of samples were investigated under various factors including Co loading, PMS dosage, initial TC concentration, pH, and inorganic anions. The mechanism for PMS activation indicated that reactive oxygen species including sulfate radicals, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals and singlet oxygen contributed to TC degradation. The possible pathway of TC degradation was investigated by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. This work presented a new combination of efficient and easily recoverable supported catalysts and provided useful information for the wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • Co-Fe based Prussian blue was successfully loaded on nickel foam by co-precipitation and calcination method. • CoFe-PBA/NF exhibited excellent tetracycline degradation by activating PMS. • SO 4 •−, •OH, O 2 •− and 1O 2 were generated in the CoFe-PBA/NF-PMS system. • Nickel foam as a substrate enhanced degradation efficiency by accelerating electron transfer while firmly binding PBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]