Enhanced selective photocatalytic properties of a novel magnetic retrievable imprinted ZnFe2O4/PPy composite with specific recognition ability

Abstract

A novel magnetic retrievable imprinted photocatalyst with the antigen/antibody-like function was obtained by coupling the imprinted polymer onto ZnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals. The morphology, structure and properties of the imprinted ZnFe₂O₄/PPy composite were characterized and revealed that a tight junction was formed between ZnFe₂O₄ and the imprinted polymer layer. Compared with non-imprinted ZnFe₂O₄/PPy composite, imprinted ZnFe₂O₄/PPy composite not only had high photocatalytic efficiency, but also possessed the strong selective ability to specifically recognize and preferentially degrade ciprofloxacin. It was worth noting that the selectivity of the imprinted ZnFe₂O₄/PPy composite eliminated the interference of the spatial structure of different pollutants and truly realized the function of specific recognition. This work provided a new idea for preparing an imprinted photocatalyst and realized specific recognition.