Rapid electron transfer boosts CuO-Mediated nonradical oxidation pathways for efficient removal of Bisphenol A

CO2 emission reduction and CO2 capture during wastewater treatment are the main objectives of carbon neutral wastewater treatment. Here, we show that CuO is expected to promote non-radical oxidation pathways through enhanced electron transfer. Calcination temperature may affect crystal growth and microscopic strain, and the smaller particle size of CuO provides shorter distance nanochannels for core-shell diffusion of electrons/defects. This facilitates fast electron transfer and easy in/out diffusion of electrons/defects, thus promotes 1O2-mediated nonradical oxidation (13.6-fold increase in kinetic reaction rate). A kinetic model was developed to predict the kinetic reaction rate constants of CuO/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under different parameter conditions. The degradation pathways and product toxicity of pollutants are explored through Frontier Molecular Orbital Theory (FMO) and the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST). Due to the alkaline environment and the mild oxidation capacity of 1O2-mediated nonradical oxidation pathway, CuO/PMS system can not only effectively detoxify toxic organic pollutants without complete mineralization (emitting large amounts of CO2), but also capture CO2 and convert it into stable carbonates for environmental use. This study demonstrates the ability of CuO/PMS to effectively treat toxic organic pollutants in a practical microreactor, and provides a viable pathway for carbon neutral wastewater treatment.