Cobalt/nitrogen co-carved carbon nanorod for efficient Fenton-like reaction: Degradation efficacy, reaction mechanism and singlet oxygen generation

•A CoNC Fenton-like catalyst can efficiently degrade organic pollutants.•It is confirmed that 1O2 is the dominant active species for degrading organics.•A CoN2C2 ligands structure has the best catalytic activity for peroxymonosulfate activation.•The generation pathway of 1O2 is clearly clarified via DFT calculations.•Electrons can be easily transferred from the organics to peroxymonosulfate.