Synergistic enhancement of organophosphorus flame retardant degradation via integrated Ce-PbO2 electro-activation and CoAl-LDHs@CoSx-rGO catalytic peroxymonosulfate activation.

A cerium-doped lead dioxide anode (Ti/SnO2-Sb/Ce-PbO2) and a novel three-dimensional hierarchical hollow-sphere catalyst (0.2CoAl-LDHs@CoSx-rGO) were synthesized and assembled into an electro-enhanced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation system, achieving efficient degradation of the representative organic pollutant tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). The structural and chemical properties of the fabricated materials were systematically characterized to elucidate their morphology and composition. The results demonstrated that the addition of electric field significantly promoted the regeneration of Co2+ ions, thereby substantially enhancing the catalytic efficiency. The catalytic mechanism in this system was primarily attributed to sulfate radicals (SO4•-) generated via the synergistic activation between electrochemical processes and the catalyst, as well as efficient electron transfer processes induced by the catalytic activation. Through detailed analysis of the intermediate products generated during the degradation process, combined with T.E.S.T. toxicity assessment and theoretical calculations, multiple potential degradation pathways for TCEP were proposed, and the toxicity profiles of its degradation products were comprehensively evaluated. Overall, the integration of electrochemical activation with high-efficiency catalysts achieves a degradation efficiency of 95.65 % for organophosphorus flame retardants, offering a novel strategy and methodological advancement for environmental remediation.