Ligand-mediated interfacial engineering in cluster-based photo-Fenton-like catalysts: Unveiling the paradox of dispersion versus active site accessibility

Abstract

A counterintuitive finding is reported: although poorer surface dispersibility of hydrophobic Au25 on manganese dioxide is observed, more catalytically active sites are preserved and exposed. By the interaction between peroxymonosulfate and the catalyst being modulated, superior photo-Fenton-like degradation activity toward organic pollutants is demonstrated.