Near infrared light-driven release of pesticide with magnetic collectability using gel-based nanocomposite

A near infrared light (NIRL)-driven release imidacloprid (NDRI) with magnetic collectability property was constructed using agarose hydrogel (AG), CuS-polydopamine (CP), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), imidacloprid (IM), and ferriferrous oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ). Therein, ZIF-8 with a large specific surface area was used to efficiently load IM molecules. CP, as a photothermal agent, could soften AG and enlarge the pores in hydrogel spheres under NIRL, resulting in the release of IM. After release, Fe 3 O 4 was beneficial to conveniently collect the remaining NDRI from water. Additionally, the AG hydrogel with a porous structure acted as a good carrier for NDRI. Importantly, NDRI possessed an outstanding controlled-release property and could be reutilized at least for four times. Consequently, this technology may provide a potential approach to control release of IM, improve utilization efficiency, and decline pesticide usage and contamination to environment.