0D–1D hybrid nanoarchitectonics: tailored design of FeCo@N–C yolk–shell nanoreactors with dual sites for excellent Fenton-like catalysis

Abstract

Heterogeneous Fenton-like processes are very promising methods of treating organic pollutants through the generation of reactive oxygen containing radicals. Herein, we report novel 0D-1D hybrid nanoarchitectonics (necklace-like structures) consisting of FeCo@N-C yolk-shell nanoreactors as advanced catalysts for Fenton-like reactions. Each FeCo@N-C unit possesses a yolk-shell structure like a nanoreactor, which can accelerate the diffusion of reactive oxygen species and guard the active sites of FeCo. Furthermore, all the nanoreactors are threaded along carbon fibers, providing a highway for electron transport. FeCo@N-C nano-necklaces thereby exhibit excellent performance for pollutant removal <i>via</i> activation of peroxymonosulfate, achieving 100% bisphenol A (<i>k</i> = 0.8308 min^-1) degradation in 10 min with good cycling stability. The experiments and density-functional theory calculations reveal that FeCo dual sites are beneficial for activation of O-O, which is crucial for enhancing Fenton-like processes.