A ZIF-8-derived copper-nitrogen co-hybrid carbon catalyst for peroxymonosulfate activation to degrade BPA

A series of copper-nitrogen co-hybrid porous carbon catalysts were prepared by pyrolysis of copper-doped ZIF-8 in argon atmosphere. Both the precursors and the corresponding pyrolysis products retained the polyhedral morphology of ZIF-8. The catalytic performance of the catalysts obtained at different Cu doping levels and pyrolysis temperatures for PMS activation was compared by bisphenol A (BPA) degradation experiment. Among them 5%Cu-NC(8) catalyst obtained by pyrolysis of 5%Cu-ZIF-8 at 950 °C showed the best catalytic performance. The catalytic mechanism of PMS activation catalyzed by 5%Cu-NC(8) was analyzed by quenching experiment, ESR and XPS. The degradation pathways of BPA in 5%Cu-NC(8)/PMS system were proposed on the basis of LC-MS analyses. Pyridine N (including Cu–N), graphite N, CO group and the valence change of Cu were recognized as the catalytic active sites for 5%Cu-NC(8). Both free radical and non-free radical processes were involved in BPA degradation, and singlet oxygen (1O2) was identified to be the main active substance. The stable performance and low Cu leaching rate in recycling experiment indicated that 5%Cu-NC(8) had good reusability and stability. This study provided a new insight for the design of heterogeneous copper-nitrogen co-hybrid carbon catalysts.