Encapsulating stable perovskite catalysts in hollow nanoreactors for enhanced pollutants degradation.

Small CoTiO 3 nanoparticles were embedded in TiO 2 nanoshells to boost peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and enhance 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) degradation due to the enhanced mass transfer in the confined space, and efficient electron transfer between PMS and TiO 2 /CoTiO 3. [Display omitted] Creating a microenvironment for enhanced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is vital in advanced oxidation processes. The objective of this study was to fabricate nanoshells composed of titanium dioxide embedded with cobalt titanate nanoparticles of perovskite to act as nanoreactors for effectively initiating PMS and degrading contaminants. The unique porous structure and confined space of the nanoreactor facilitated reactant absorption and mass transfer to the active sites, resulting in exceptional catalytic performance for pollutant elimination. Experimental findings revealed close to 100% decomposition efficiency of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) within an hour utilizing the nanoreactors over a wide pH range. The TiO 2 /CoTiO 3 hollow nanoshells catalysts also displayed adaptability in disintegrating organic dyes and antibiotics. The radicals SO 4 •-, •OH, and non-radicals 1O 2 were determined to be accountable for eliminating pollutants, as supported by trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. The catalyst was confirmed as an electron donor and PMS as an electron acceptor through electrochemical tests and density functional theory calculations. This study underscores the potential of incorporating stable perovskite catalysts in hollow nanoreactors to enhance wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]