Synergistic activation of peroxymonosulfate by 3D CoNiO2/Co core-shell structure biochar catalyst for sulfamethoxazole degradation

In this study, a 3D CoNiO 2 /Co core–shell structure biochar catalyst derived from walnut shell was synthesized by hydrothermal and ion etching methods. The prepared BC@CoNi-600 catalyst exhibited exceptional peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The system achieved 100 % degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The reactive oxygen species in the BC@CoNi-600/PMS system included SO 4 − , OH, and O 2 − . Density functional theory calculations explored the synergistic effects between nickel–cobalt bimetallic and carbon matrix during PMS activation. The unique 3D core–shell structure of BC@CoNi-600 features an outer nickel–cobalt bimetallic layer with exceptional PMS adsorption capacity, while protecting the zero-valence Co of the inner layer from oxidation. Based on the experimental-data, machine learning modeling mechanism, and information theory, a nonlinear modeling method was proposed. This study utilizes a machine learning approach to investigate the degradation of SMX in complex aquatic environments. This study synthesized a novel biochar-based catalyst for activated PMS and provided unique insights into its environmental applications.