Metal–organic framework preparation using magnetic graphene oxide–β-cyclodextrin for neonicotinoid pesticide adsorption and removal

A novel magnetic copper-based metal–organic framework (M-MOF) was prepared using a Fe 4 O 3 –graphene oxide (GO)–β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) nanocomposite as the magnetic core and support, and used for adsorption and removal of neonicotinoid insecticide pollutants from aqueous solution. M-MOF characterization suggested that 1 Fe 4 O 3 –GO–β-CD consisted of a thin single layer with anchored Fe 3 O 4 . The M-MOF was coated on the Fe 4 O 3 –GO–β-CD surface. The M-MOF had a large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (250.33   m 2   g −1) and high super-paramagnetism with saturation magnetization of 10.47   emu   g −1 . Adsorption model analysis showed that the equilibrium data for thiacloprid fitted Langmuir monolayer adsorption and the other insecticides tested showed Freundlich bimolecular layer adsorption. The results show that M-MOF is a promising hybrid adsorbent for rapid removal of neonicotinoid insecticide pollutants from environmental waters.