Molybdenum phosphide (MoP) with dual active sites for the degradation of diclofenac in Fenton-like system

The leaching and non-recoverability of mental ions have always limited the practical application of Fenton-like processes. For the first time, we synthesized molybdenum phosphide (MoP) with dual active sites for the degradation of diclofenac (DCF) in the Fenton-like process. The DCF degradation rate constant (k) of MoP + H2O2 process was calculated to be 0.13 min(-1) within 40 min, indicating a highly efficient catalytic ability of MoP. In addition, this catalyst exhibits a stable structure and good activity, which could apply in a broad pH range, different ions solution and real wastewater condition. Accordingly, this efficient catalytic capability may be attributed to the presence of the metal sites Mo delta+ and the electron-rich sites P delta- in MoP, which could induce the generation of hydroxyl radical ((OH)-O-center dot) and superoxide radical (O-center dot(2)-) through electron transfer, resulting in the effective removal of DCF. This study provides an idea for the optimization of Fenton-like technologies and environmental remediation. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.