In-situ growth of Mn2O3/MnCo2O4 on 3D nickel foam as a novel heterogeneous composites peroxymonosulfate activator for the degradation of levofloxacin: Performance, stability and mechanism

The in-situ generation of nanostructured materials on the metal-based carriers nickel foam (NF) is a novel technique for water remediation materials. In this study, Mn2O3/MnCo2O4 materials were successfully produced in situ on three-dimensional (3D) NF substrates using hydrothermal followed by calcination. Mn2O3/ MnCo2O4@NF can synergistically activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS), leading to efficient levofloxacin degradation (LEVO). At optimal conditions (catalyst dosage of 0.50 x 0.50 cm2, PMS dosage of 0.30 g/L, PH = 6.75), the removal rate of LEVO (10 mg/L) by Mn2O3/MnCo2O4@NF could obtain 91.8 % within 30 min (reaction kinetic rate constant (Kobs) = 0.2063 min-1). In addition to acting as a support carrier and exposing an abundance of active sites, NF also mediates and facilitates electron transport, inhibits metal ions' leaching, and improves recycling's effectiveness. The system can remove contaminants through a combination of radical (SO4 & sdot;-, & sdot;OH) and non-free radical (1O2, surface electron transfer) pathways. Eleven intermediates in the degradation of LEVO were identified via the HPLC-MS. The biotoxicity of the intermediates was measured using the Ecological StructureActivity Relationship (ECOSAR) technique, demonstrating that the catalyst is environmentally friendly and safe. The study has broad applicability and prospect, providing a new strategy for developing other nickel foambased materials for the remediation of the aqueous environment.