Synergy of nanoclusters/single atoms regulates sustainable oxidation pathways for self-motivated Fenton-like processes.

Synergy mechanism of nanoclusters/single atoms as coexisting electron-rich centers for sustainable Fenton-like catalysis without oxidant addition remains unclear. In this study, a composite catalyst consisting of FeP nanoclusters coexisting with Fe single atoms (FeP/FeNP/C) was synthesized and utilized in two catalytic systems: one with zero-peroxymonosulfate (PMS) addition and the other with low-PMS addition. Results indicated that FeP/FeNP/C catalyst with electron-deficient region could adsorb pollutants via π-π bond and extract electrons from pollutants to the atomic FeNP/C as electron acceptor, and this self-motivated process in PMS-free system could be modulated by the FeP nanoclusters via dynamic synergistic effects.