Co-based MOF as an efficient catalyst by peroxymonosulfate activation for degradation of tetracycline: synthesis and performance

In this work, a novel cobalt-based MOF (JLNU-11) was prepared using Co(NO3)2<middle dot>6H2O, 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (BTB), and 1,4-bis((1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene (BIMB) through a solvothermal method, and its catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of tetracycline was studied. Due to the unique tri-nuclear cobalt cluster and double interpenetrating structure of JLNU-11, the adsorption effect of the catalyst can be eliminated, and the degradation of TC is entirely dependent on PMS activation. The results showed that in the JLNU-11/PMS system, the removal rate of tetracycline (TC) could reach over 90% within 30 minutes, proving that JLNU-11 had good catalytic activity. In addition, the effects of experimental parameters such as the amount of JLNU-11, PMS concentration, TC concentration, temperature, pH, and inorganic anions on TC degradation were investigated. Free radical quenching experiments confirmed the presence of active oxygen species during the degradation process, and a possible catalytic activation mechanism was speculated. The universality of the JLNU-11/PMS system for dye degradation was also explored. A cobalt-based MOF was prepared and the experimental results showed that JLNU-11 had excellent catalytic performance and could effectively degrade TC by activating PMS, with the degradation rate reaching 90% within 30 min.