Efficient removal of plasticiser dibutyl phthalate on CoP cluster anchored MXene via boosting peroxymonosulfate activation: Catalytic performance and decomposition mechanism.

A novel Ti 3 C 2 synthesis method via strong alkaline etching (MXene ba) was developed to degrade dibutyl phthalate (DBP) using a CoP/MXene ba + peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system. The MXene ba 's modified surface properties enabled stable Co2+ adsorption and homogeneous loading of ultrasmall CoP clusters post-phosphatisation. Complete DBP degradation was achieved within 30 min, facilitated by reactive oxygen species (ROS: SO 4 ·-, ·OH, O 2 ·-, and 1O 2) and the highly reduced titanium atoms promoting Co3+ to Co2+ conversion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidated PMS adsorption sites and active species for DBP degradation. This study clarifies the activation mechanism, linking catalyst structure to performance, and provides insights for future advanced oxidation processes in environmental remediation. The findings emphasize the practical application and significance of the CoP/MXene ba catalyst in treating harmful plasticisers in water, contributing to efficient and sustainable water purification methods. The research also highlights this novel catalyst system's robustness and versatility in tackling diverse pollutants. [Display omitted] • Alkali-etching treated MXene were prepared instead of conventional HF etching. • It was anchored with uniform CoP clusters with low leaching rate of cobalt. • The reducing Ti atoms in Ti 3 C 2 promote the cycling of Co2+ and Co3+. • 1O 2 predominates in the degradation of DBP by CoP/MXene ba + PMS system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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