Activation of peroxymonosulfate by Co3Sn2 with Co(II)-enriched amorphous layer for efficient removal of RhB pollutant

Abstract Co3Sn2 with Co(II)-enriched amorphous layer was fabricated through reduction of Sn2+ under hydrothermal conditions. The material exhibited excellent performance for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for Rhodamine B (RhB) removal. Almost 100% of RhB was removed using Co3Sn2/PMS within 10 min with an apparent rate constant of kapp = 0.515 min−1, which was higher than other cobalt-based catalysts. This performance of Co3Sn2 is suggested to be a synergistic effect between the Co(II)-layer with abundant active sites and the metallic core with excellent electron conductivity. Several pivotal parameters were investigated. Sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals were proven to be major oxidative species.