Electro-activation of peroxymonosulfate by β-PbO2 partial filling/covering TiO2 nanotube arrays anode for alkaloid berberine degradation: Performance, mechanism and practicability

•Interfacial engineering strategy for β-PbO2 filling in TNAs channels was established.•β-PbO2 filling endows β-PbO2/TNAs/Ti anode outstanding capability for PMS activation.•The generation mechanism of ROS via PMS electro-activation was elucidated.••OH, SO4∙- and 1O2 are responsible for berberine removal via two degradation pathways.•The actual applicability and service lifetime of β-PbO2/TNAs/Ti anode were evaluated.