Enhanced selectivity for photodegrading ciprofloxacin by a magnetic photocatalyst modified with a POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded imprinted layer

Abstract

By combining the photopolymerization method with surface imprinting techniques, a magnetic photocatalyst modified with a POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded imprinted layer (a POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded magnetic imprinted photocatalyst) was successfully prepared. And ciprofloxacin (CIP) can be recognized and degraded by the POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded magnetic imprinted photocatalyst. The coefficient of selectivity of the POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded magnetic imprinted photocatalyst relative to CdS, POPD–CdS and a non-imprinted photocatalyst were 1.88, 1.98 and 2.12, respectively. Moreover, the secondary pollution resulting from CdS photo-corrosion can also be effectively suppressed by the surface imprinted layer. More importantly, the POPD–CdS heterojunction, as a functional monomer, was embedded into the surface imprinted layer. This method not only ensured sufficient contact between POPD and CdS, but also effectively solved the problem that the photocatalytic activity decreased drastically because of coverage by the surface imprinted layer. Therefore, this work offers an innovative concept and technical approach for the application of the selective removal of specific target pollutants in complex water environments.