Efficient use of imprinted nanocatalytic particles: Development and application of targeted catalytic membranes

The recovery, exfoliation, and regeneration of nanoparticles are important factors that limit the application of molecularly imprinted catalysts. In this study, a targeted catalytic monolithic membrane, M@MIP, was constructed by a one-step phase-transfer technique to achieve efficient recycling of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles and performance enhancement of the catalytic membrane. The average water flux of M@MIP increases by about 22% compared to polyvinylidene fluoride. The sulfamethoxazole removal ability reached 99% in complex water, demonstrating great promise for excellent targeting and catalytic degradation. The total organic carbon removal extent by M@MIP in actual wastewater was as high as 46%. In addition, the M@MIP showed excellent regeneration, stability (remained above 91% over six repeated cycles) and a significant ability to reduce ecotoxicity. This study offers a new solution for the efficient use and recycling of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles and the efficient removal of low-concentration pollutants.