Magnetic nanoparticles and quantum dots co-loaded imprinted matrix for pentachlorophenol

In this study, an imprinted silica matrix of pentachlorophenol (PCP) co-loaded with Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and ZnS:Mn 2+ quantum dots (QDs) was fabricated. The introduction of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles to the imprinted matrix provided an easy way to separate PCP under an external magnetic field. ZnS:Mn 2+ QDs offered a readout signal to monitor the amount of PCP bound to the imprinted matrix and evaluate the efficiency of imprinting. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the imprinted matrix. The low angle X-ray diffraction and N 2 adsorption–desorption analysis indicated a periodic mesoporous structure. The as-synthesized imprinted matrix preferred to adsorb PCP rather than the other aromatic compounds like 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenol and phenol. The recoveries of spiked PCP in spring water and tap water with Fe 3 O 4 –ZnS:Mn 2+ co-loaded MIPs are 101% and 97%, respectively.