Lattice B-doping evolved ferromagnetic perovskite-like catalyst for enhancing persulfate-based degradation of norfloxacin

Series of B-doped perovskite-like materials CeCu0.5Co0.5O3 (B-C3O) were fabricated with unique ferromagnetic property due to partial substitution of non-magnetic 2p-impurities boron in the lattice. Then, B-C3O was used for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of norfloxacin (NOR), one kind of emerging pollutants with the concentration level up to mg/L in wastewaters. The results indicated that 5.0% B-C3O exhibited stable catalytic ability at pH 3.0–9.0 and high degradation efficiency in co-existing inorganic Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, H2PO4− and organic humic acid. Non-radical 1O2, radicals •OH and SO4•−, as well as ClO− were detected with synergy effect for NOR degradation. By quantifying free radicals, •OH with 0.52 µM and SO4•− with 10.91 µM were obtained at 180 min, verifying the leading role of SO4•−. The degradation process involved the defluorination and decarboxylation, as well as opening of quinolone and piperazinyl rings. Adopting alfalfa as the model plant, the toxicity effect before and after NOR degradation was finally evaluated with seed germination rate and chlorophyll content as the physiological indicators. In summary, non-metal B-doping not only provides a creative strategy for the development of ferromagnetic perovskite-like materials, but also affords excellent catalysts for aiding the advanced oxidation technology for removal of emerging pollutants in wastewaters.