Work

Proton-gated multisite concerted proton-electron transfer-like pathway in a dual-atom framework for selective water purification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Precise oxidant activation is essential for advanced water treatment but is often limited by radical quenching and low oxidant efficiency. Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is promising; however, directing O-O cleavage towards non-radical pathways requires tightly coupled proton‒electron transfer, which is rarely achieved in heterogeneous catalysts because of spatially mismatched active sites. Here, we report a Co/Ni dual-single-atom metal–organic framework (MOF), in which atomically dispersed Co/Ni sites and adjacent noncoordinated -NH groups form a preorganized local microenvironment for PMS activation. Combined experimental and computational evidence suggests that Ni-assisted electronic coupling facilitates charge redistribution towards Co-bound PMS, while adjacent noncoordinated -NH motifs provide a local proton-relay environment, collectively favoring an MS-CPET-like pathway. This pathway promotes heterolytic O–O cleavage and the formation of a high-valent cobalt–oxo intermediate (Co(IV) = O). Consequently, the catalyst delivers a normalized rate constant of 6.2 × 103 M−1 min−1 with more than 95% PMS consumption under the tested conditions. Remarkably, the system operates stably for more than 1000 h under continuous flow, with a treatment capacity exceeding 1000 L. This work demonstrates a promising strategy for achieving non-radical-dominated and sustainable water purification through electronic regulation and -NH proton coupling within the framework of bimetallic MOFs. The authors report a Co/Ni dual-atom framework that couples local proton delivery with electron regulation to activate peroxymonosulfate, enabling selective pollutant removal and stable continuous-flow water treatment.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-77345-y