The Non-Negligible Effect of Activating Zn on a Bimetallic Carbon for the Degradation of Acesulfame

Owing to long-term and large-scale use of artificial sweeteners, it is difficult to treat them effectively in a water environment. Herein, a bimetallic carbon material containing cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) was prepared via carbon thermal reduction way. The as-synthesized bimetallic carbon material (Co 1 (ZnO) 1 /C) demonstrated abundant oxygen defect construction and presented excellent catalytic performance to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degrading acesulfame (ACE). Furthermore, the presence of Zn active sites on the surface of Co 1 (ZnO) 1 /C was further elucidated by the combination of experiments and theory calculations. These sites, which were activated by the oxygen defect, complexed with PMS to generate highly active peroxide species, such as Zn-PMS*, and activated PMS via electron transfer to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby degrading the ACE molecule. It was also revealed that the activation of surface Zn in Co 1 (ZnO) 1 /C provides additional active sites for catalytic reactions, inspiring the singlet oxygen to dominate the ACE degradation pathway and substantially enhancing the catalytic performance of the material. This work provides a feasible strategy for activating nonredox metal of catalysts to degrade ACE and propels the efficient application of artificial sweetener pollution treatment.