2D Ni-Co bimetallic oxide nanosheets activate persulfate for targeted conversion of bisphenol A in wastewater into polymers.

[Display omitted] • A novel PS activation system is developed for carbon recycle from wastewater. • BPA is selectively degraded via initiating nonradical-induced polymerization. • BPA in wastewater is converted into value-added polymers. • The polymerization process can occur under typical environmental conditions. The selective removal of targeted pollutants from complex wastewater is challenging. Herein, a novel persulfate (PS)-based advanced oxidation system equipped with a series of two-dimensional (2D) bimetallic oxide nanosheets (NSs) catalysts is developed to selectively degrade bisphenol A (BPA) within mixed pollutants via initiating nonradical-induced polymerization. Results indicate that the Ni 0.60 Co 0.40 O x NSs demonstrate the highest catalytic efficiency among all Ni-Co NSs catalysts. Specifically, BPA degradation rate is 47.34, 27.26, and 9.72 times higher than that of 4-chlorophenol, phenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol in the mixed solution, respectively. The lower oxidative potential of BPA in relation to the other pollutants renders it the primary target for oxidation within the PDS activation system. PDS molecules combine on the surface of Ni 0.60 Co 0.40 O x NSs to form the surface-activated complex, triggering the generation of BPA monomer radicals through H-abstraction or electron transfer. These radicals subsequently polymerize on the surface of the catalyst through coupling reactions. Importantly, this polymerization process can occur under typical aquatic environmental conditions and demonstrates resistance to background matrices like Cl− and humic acid due to its inherent nonradical attributes. This study offers valuable insights into the targeted conversion of organic pollutants in wastewater into value-added polymers, contributing to carbon recycle and circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]