Song, So-Yeon Pham, Nguyet N. T. Moon, Gun-Hee Chae, Keun Hwa Oh, Hoon Yun, Eun-Tae Kim, Jaesung Lee, Seung Geol Xue, Yudong Lee, Jaesang 2025-07-18T06:00:07Z 2025-07-18T06:00:07Z 2025-07-18 2025-12 0926-3373 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/152765 This study demonstrated that Mn as a metallic constituent catalyzed carbon graphitization during annealing and promoted porosity through facile MnS dissolution via acid washing, thereby enhancing the catalytic activity of the carbon-based composite (Mn-N-C). Given the poor correlation between persulfate activation capability and Mn content, along with the occurrence of mediated electron transfer as a major non-radical degradative route, the Mn phase contributed minimally as a redox-active site. Carbon graphitization, uniquely catalyzed by Mn among transition metals and enhanced with higher Mn dosage, was key to improving the electrical conductivity and persulfate binding affinity of Mn-N-C. DFT analysis of the interfacial persulfate-catalyst interaction suggested a secondary role of the carbon-encapsulated Mn-N moiety in facilitating persulfate adsorption, followed by charge transfer and peroxide bond dissociation. The present finding that the Mn phase modulated the catalytic properties of Mn-N-C in multiple ways offers new insights into the criteria for selecting metal components. English Elsevier BV Unveiling the unforeseen role of manganese constituent in creating a carbon-based composite as a high-efficiency persulfate activator: Catalyzing carbon phase graphitization and promoting persulfate binding affinity Article 10.1016/j.apcatb.2025.125598 1 Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy, v.378 Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy 378 N scie scopus 001521797500001 Chemistry, Physical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Chemistry Engineering Article RAMAN-SPECTROSCOPY PEROXYMONOSULFATE ACTIVATION CATALYTIC GRAPHITIZATION OXYGEN STATE MECHANISM OXIDATION SPECTRA OXIDE MN Manganese-carbon composite Catalytic carbon phase graphitization Carbocatalytic persulfate activation Mediated electron transfer Persulfate binding affinity