Enhanced activation of peroxymonosulfate by Fe/N co-doped ordered mesoporous carbon with dual active sites for efficient removal of m-cresol

• Fe/N co-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (Fe-NC) with dual active sites (FeN4 and Fe nanoparticles) exhibits high catalytic activity for m-cresol degradation via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. • Urea-assisted impregnation and pyrolysis enhance Fe dispersion and stability, preventing aggregation and improving catalyst performance. • The ordered mesoporous structure facilitates mass transfer, contributing to efficient degradation. • The degradation mechanism involves sulfate and hydroxyl radicals, with a proposed PMS activation pathway for m-cresol removal.