Constructing peroxydisulfate selective N-doped carbon catalyst via copolymerization strategy for removal of organic contaminants

•Copolymer-derived nitrogen-doped carbon (CNC) was synthesized for PS/PMS-based pollutant removal.•PS/PMS complexation to CNC was determined by the N-atom configuration in the carbon framework.•CNC exhibited superior BPA degradation activity with PS compared to PMS.•Degradation in PS/CNC occurred through electron transfer rather than the involvement of ROS.•The PS/CNC demonstrated extraordinary performance in removing other phenolic compounds.