Work

Copper-Based MOF-Derived Core–Shell Materials via N/P/S Ternary Doping for Peroxymonosulfate Activation: Efficient Degradation and Removal of Sulfamethazine

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sulfamethazine (SMT) contamination in aquatic environments and its propensity to induce antibiotic resistance pose critical risks to ecosystems and public health, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Here, we develop a MOF-derived copper core–shell activator, Cu-MOFs400@PSN, by coating a calcined Cu-MOF derivative (Cu-MOFs400) with a nitrogen/phosphorus/sulfur-doped shell and systematically evaluate its peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation performance toward SMT degradation. Comprehensive characterization confirms successful N/P/S incorporation and the formation of a smooth spherical core–shell architecture that enhances chemical stability; the Cu-MOFs400@PSN/PMS system achieves complete SMT removal within 120 min and maintains 99.33% efficiency after five reuse cycles. Bicarbonate markedly promotes degradation, whereas chloride, nitrate, and phosphate exert negligible interference, indicating strong tolerance to common background ions. Radical-quenching tests identify singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide (•O2−) as the dominant reactive species, with minor contributions from sulfate and hydroxyl radicals; the system facilitates complete SMT mineralization and reduces resistance-inducing intermediates. These results highlight Cu-MOFs400@PSN as a robust and reusable PMS activator for practical remediation of SMT-contaminated waters and mitigation of antibiotic-resistance risks.

Source: Toxics

DOI: 10.3390/toxics13121023