FeMoS micoroparticles as an excellent catalyst for the activation of peroxymonosulfate toward organic contaminant degradation.

The FeMoS catalyst for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is a promising pathway for removing organic pollutants in wastewater, however, the dominant FeS phases and sulfur (S) vacancies in it are little involved. Herein, for the first time, novel bimetallic FeMoS microparticles were synthesized by a simple method and then applied for PMS activation for degrading organic pollutants. The catalysts were characterized by several techniques, including X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The results revealed that new FeMoS microparticles containing S vacancies in the main FeS phases were obtained. FeS and S vacancies were found to play important roles for activating PMS by radical and nonradical pathways. More Fe and Mo were formed in the presence of S vacancies, which offered a new strategy for exploring novel heterogeneous catalysts in the activation of PMS for environmental remediation.