Enhancement of peroxymonosulfate activation through regulating electronic structure of cobalt phthalocyanine by g-C₃N₄ for rhodamine B degradation

The catalytic performance of cobalt-based catalysts in Fenton-like reactions is significantly influenced by the electron density of Co centers. However, precise control of the electronic structure to enhance the degradation activity remains a challenge. This paper demonstrates a method to enhance the catalytic activity of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) by modulating its electronic structure via integrating with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). The electron redistribution between g-C₃N₄ and CoPc was observed, resulting in electron-rich Co centers. Consequently, the CoPc/g-C₃N₄ composites exhibit significantly enhanced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation capability compared to CoPc and their physical mixtures. The improved catalytic performance is due to the electron-rich Co centers, better dispersion of CoPc, and enhanced hydrophilicity. This study proposes a novel strategy for the design of efficient PMS activation catalysts.