Selective photocatalysis mediated by magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers

Using 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as template, novel magnetic imprinted particles were prepared via surface molecular imprinting. TEM graph reveals the MIPs owned a core–shell structure. VSM measurement manifests the MIPs were superparamagnetic, this feature provided the MIPs with easy fixity and separation capability when they were used in environmental protection. Using these MIPs and a commercial photocatalyst, we constructed a double-domain film with molecular recognition sites (MRS) and photocatalytic sites (PCS) for the first time. Since MRS was located in the vicinity of titanium dioxide domains, surface-diffusion of the contaminants from MRS to PCS was easily achieved, resulting in enhanced photodecomposition of the highly toxic targets. The synergistic effect of molecular imprinting and photocatalysis provides a promising method for selective removal of the highly toxic contaminants from wastewater.

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► Magnetic MIPs have been successfully synthesized via surface imprinting method.
► A film containing molecular recognition sites and photocatalytic sites was prepared.
► Selective removal of the target was achieved via surface-diffusion.
► Adsorption–regeneration of the MIPs was accompanied with photocatalysis.