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

Graphical abstract: An imprinted silica matrix co-loaded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and ZnS:Mn2+ QDs was fabricated to separate pentachlorophenol with an external magnetic field and monitor it by the changes of fluorescence intensity of ZnS:Mn2+ QDs. Highlights: ► Fe3O4 and ZnS:Mn2+ nanoparticles loaded MIPs of pentachlorophenol were fabricated. ► Fe3O4 nanoparticles provided an easy way to isolate PCP with a magnetic field. ► ZnS:Mn2+ monitored the amount of PCP bound to the imprinted matrix. ► MIPs exhibited good affinity and selectivity to PCP. - Abstract: In this study, an imprinted silica matrix of pentachlorophenol (PCP) co-loaded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and ZnS:Mn2+ quantum dots (QDs) was fabricated. The introduction of Fe3O4 nanoparticles to the imprinted matrix provided an easy way to separate PCP under an external magnetic field. ZnS:Mn2+ 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 N2 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 Fe3O4–ZnS:Mn2+ co-loaded MIPs are 101% and 97%, respectively.