CuCo2S4 microporous composite membrane to activate peroxymonosulfate for carbamazepine removal

In this study, a CuCo2S4 microporous composite membrane (CCSM) was successfully prepared by loading CuCo2S4 nanoparticles on a membrane substrate, and then used to activate PMS to degrade carbamazepine (CBZ). Meanwhile, the physicochemical properties of the nanomaterial and the effects of various reaction parameters, such as, catalyst film loads, PMS dosage, initial pH value, and co-existing substances on the catalytic degradation performance were investigated. The results showed that CCSM/PMS exhibited admirable catalytic performance, and 90.3% CBZ could be degraded within 3 min under the optimum conditions ([CuCo2S4] = 0.05 g L−1, [PMS]=0.30 g L−1, [CBZ]0 =10 g L−1 and Initial pH = 6.95). Furthermore, the CCSM/PMS system could efficiently degrade various antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole, metronidazole, hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin). In addition, the reusable ability of CCSM without significant efficiency loss after 10 cycles. The quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization showed that the main active species were SO4•-, •OH, O2•- and 1O2, and SO4•-played a dominant role in this system. Finally, based on the data analysis, the study proposed the possible degradation mechanism and four degradation routes of CBZ.