Polyaniline@g-C3N4 derived N-rich porous carbon for selective degradation of phenolic pollutants via peroxymonosulfate activation: An electron transfer mechanism

N -doped carbons have attracted extensive attention as catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation towards environmental remediation. However, synthesis of N -rich carbocatalysts is challenging and PMS activation mechanism is still unclear. Herein, novel N -rich porous carbocatalysts ( C -P x CN-T) were synthesized by carbonization of polyaniline nanorods coated g-C 3 N 4 . C –P 50 CN-900 (polyaniline content 50%) calcined at 900 °C had high surface area (358 m 2 /g), product yield (27.1%) and N content (12.27 at%). It showed superior performance in activating PMS to degrade and mineralize various phenolic pollutants in a wide pH range (2–11) and with the co-existence of water constituents. A positive correlation was observed between phenol oxidation rates and contents of C O, C –C/C C and graphitic N, which served as active sites to facilitate adsorption of pollutants and PMS on C –P 50 CN-900 and subsequent electron-transfer from pollutants to PMS. Overall, this study provides new insights into rational design of N -doped carbocatalysts and elucidation of electron transfer pathway in PMS activation.