Fig. 3: Mechanistic investigation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) generation and PMS activation pathways.

a EPR spectra of DMPO-trapped radicals (•OH and SO4•−) across different catalytic systems. b Quenching experiments identifying dominant reactive species in OH−/CuO/PMS system. c Identifying the existence of Cu(III) by in-situ Raman spectra in the OH−/CuO/PMS system. d Electrochemical i-t response curves tracking interfacial electron transfer processes. e The contribution of PMS, •OH, and SO4•− to SMX removal. f In-situ Raman spectroscopic monitoring of PMS activation in various situations.