Cobalt germanium hydroxides with asymmetric electron distribution and surface hydroxyl groups for superb catalytic degradation performances

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are attractive approaches for solving the global problem of water pollution, due to the generation of highly-active reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, highly-efficient PMS activation is crucial for promoting the catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. Here, bimetallic CoGeO₂(OH)₂ nanosheets with abundant surface hydroxyl groups (CGH) were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route for PMS activation and degradation of various organic contaminants for the first time. The abundant surface hydroxyl groups (≡Co–OH/≡Ge–OH) could promptly initiate PMS to generate highly-active species: singlet oxygen (¹O₂), sulfate radicals (SO₄·⁻) and hydroxyl radicals (HO^•), while the asymmetric electron distribution among Co–O–Ge bonds derived from the higher electronegativity of Ge than Co further enhances the quick electron transfer to promote the redox cycle of Co²⁺/Co³⁺ and Ge²⁺/Ge⁴⁺, thereby achieving an outstanding catalytic capability. The optimal catalyst exhibits nearly 100 % catalytic degradation performance of dyes (Methylene blue, Rhodamine B, Methyl orange, Orange II, Methyl green) and antibiotics (Norfloxacin, Bisphenol A, Tetracycline) over a wide pH range of 3–11 and under different coexisting anion conditions (Cl⁻, HCO₃^–, NO₃^–, HA), suggesting the excellent adaptability for practical usage. This study could potentially lead to novel perspectives on the remediation of water areas such as groundwater and deep-water areas.