In this study, a contact-electro-catalysis system was developed for activating permanganate (Mn(VII)) using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). With ultrasound assistance, charge transfer between the water molecules and the PTFE surface generates excited-state PTFE, which captures dissolved oxygen to continuously produce reactive oxygen species (O 2 •− and 1O2). Electrons from the excited-state PTFE activated Mn(VII) to reactive intermediates Mn(VI) and Mn(V), whereas in situ H2O2 further promoted Mn(VII) activation and 1O2 formation. The system efficiently degraded Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue, achieving rates more than twice those of Mn(VII) alone and over 25 times higher than those of the ultrasonic PTFE system. The PTFE exhibited excellent stability and reusability, maintaining removal rates above 90% for Rhodamine B and 80% for Methylene Blue after 10 consecutive cycles. These results demonstrate a mechanically driven, environmentally benign strategy for activating high-valent metal oxidants, providing mechanistic insights into the rational design and construction of sustainable, efficient advanced oxidation systems for environmental remediation applications.
