SrCo(1−x)Ti(x)O(3−δ) perovskites as excellent catalysts for fast degradation of water contaminants in neutral and alkaline solutions

Perovskite-like oxides SrCo(1−x)Ti(x)O(3−δ) (SCT(x), x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) were used as heterogeneous catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for phenol degradation under a wide pH range, exhibiting more rapid phenol oxidation than Co(3)O(4) and TiO(2). The SCT(0.4)/PMS system produced a high activity at increased initial pH, achieving optimized performance at pH ≥ 7 in terms of total organic carbon removal, the minimum Co leaching and good catalytic stability. Kinetic studies showed that the phenol oxidation kinetics on SCT(0.4)/PMS system followed the pseudo-zero order kinetics and the rate on SCT(0.4)/PMS system decreased with increasing initial phenol concentration, decreased PMS amount, catalyst loading and solution temperature. Quenching tests using ethanol and tert-butyl alcohol demonstrated sulfate and hydroxyl radicals for phenol oxidation. This investigation suggested promising heterogeneous catalysts for organic oxidation with PMS, showing a breakthrough in the barriers of metal leaching, acidic pH, and low efficiency of heterogeneous catalysis.