β-cyclodextrin-modified cobalt oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst for efficient peroxymonosulfate activation towards the degradation of Ciprofloxacin: Performance and degradation pathways

In this study, β-cyclodextrin-modified cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄@β-CD) composites were developed through hydrothermal processes and employed for heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotics. The results revealed that the degradation of CIP by Co₃O₄@β-CD/PMS was 99.13 %, which was significantly higher than the degradation of CIP by Co₃O₄/PMS (79.06 %) in a 25-minute period under optimal conditions ([Co₃O₄@β-CD] = 0.25 g/L, [PMS] = 0.25 mM, pH=7.0). The enhanced degradation of CIP contributed to the greater surface area (162.84 m²/g) of the Co₃O₄@β-CD to the Co₃O₄ (121.47 m²/g). Besides, the study assessed the impact of several reaction variables and interrupting anions on the abatement of CIP. A possible degradation procedure for CIP has been established by identifying reaction intermediates. The activation of PMS was achieved by both radical and non-radical routes. Further, Co₃O₄@β-CD exhibited remarkable stability and maintained its degrading efficiency after five consecutive cycles.