Sulfamethoxazole degradation by Ni2+ doped Fe2O3 on a nickel foam in peroxymonosulfate assisting photoelectrochemical oxidation system: Performance, mechanism and degradation pathway

•Ni2+ in-situ doping Fe2O3 on a nickel foam (NF) (Ni-Fe2O3/NF) was fabricated.•Ni-Fe2O3/NF(II) exhibited an excellent catalytic efficiency and recycle ability.•100% of SMX can be removed in 15 min in the EC + Photo + [Ni-Fe2O3/NF(II)] + PMS system.•Photo-induced h+ played the most core role in SMX degradation in the system.•The system exhibited good anti-interference ability and a wide pH adaptability.