Fe(II) and Pyridinic N complex sites synergy to activate PMS for specific generation of 1O2 to degrade antibiotics with high efficiency.

In this study, specific generation of 1O2 was achieved by activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using N-doped porous carbon with Fe nanoparticles (NPC-Fe), synthesized by carbonizing MIL-88B(Fe) metal-organic frameworks modified with ionic liquid. Fe(II) in the catalyst was found to react with PMS to form •O2-, and Pyridinic N promoted the conversion of •O2- to 1O2. Consequently, the NPC-Fe/PMS reaction system could generate a large amount of 1O2 by the synergistic effect of Fe(II) and Pyridinic N. The system demonstrated excellent performance in a wide pH range for the degradation of contaminants represented by antibiotics. Additionally, the catalyst NPC-Fe had good stability and recyclability. This work provides novel insights for generating 1O2 by activation of PMS for environmental remediation.