LAUSR

Abstract In this study, the nitrogen and sulfur dual doped reduced graphene oxide (N,S-rGO) were synthesized using thermal decomposition strategy. And the prepared N,S-rGO could efficiently activate persulfate (PS) to generate reactive radicals for the catalytic degradation of alkylphenols at environmentally relevant concentration. The hydroxyl radicals ( OH) and sulfate radicals (SO4 −) generated by PS activation were analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The used N,S-rGO (50 mg/L) and potassium persulfate (0.9 mmol/L) achieved complete degradation of 4-n-octylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol and bisphenol A (20 μg/L) within 30 min at pH 6.64, exhibiting great catalytic oxidation capacity. Their final application in environmental waters turned out to be effectual as well.