P/N co-doped carbon sheet for peroxymonosulfate activation: Edge sites enhanced adsorption and subsequent electron transfer

•P/N co-doped cabocatalysts exhibit superior performance for PMS activation.•The edge sites enhance adsorption of PMS/TC and the subsequent electron transfer.•Electron transfer promoted by the catalyst is the dominant pathway.•The P/N edge structures are more stable than that dopped in inner planner.•The formation of P-N bond is not conducive to PMS activation.