Core–shell magnetic metal–organic framework molecularly imprinted nanospheres for specific adsorption of tetrabromobisphenol A from water

A surface molecularly imprinted polymer named Fe3O4@ZIF-8@MIP was synthesized and employed in the selective adsorption of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) from water. A core–shell magnetic metal–organic framework (MMOF) structure was chosen as the substrate, and an imprinted layer was then used to cover its surface. Thus, the adsorbent combines a large specific surface area and abundant pores supplied by the MMOF with specific recognition sites produced by imprinting technology, which enable a better adsorption effect in the adsorption of TBBPA from its structural analogues. More importantly, owing to its magnetic core, the material can be separated and reused conveniently, which is beneficial for actual applications. The adsorption properties of nanospheres were evaluated via the extraction of TBBPA from a sample, and the maximum adsorption capacity reached 117.6 mg g−1 in 15 min satisfactorily.