Development of attapulgite based catalytic membrane for activation of peroxymonosulfate: A singlet oxygen-dominated catalytic oxidation process for sulfamethoxazole degradation

•Attapulgite-based ceramic membrane impregnated with Co3O4 was designed.•The water flux and bending strength of Co-ATPCM were 4.57 × 104 LMHB and 59.09 MPa.•Co-ATPCM/PMS system exhibits prominent degradation efficiency of SMX.•SO4−, OH and 1O2 (played main role) together participated in SMX decomposition.