Near infrared light-driven release of pesticide with magnetic collectability using gel-based nanocomposite

Abstract

A near infrared light (NIRL)-driven release imidacloprid (NDRI) with magnetic collectability property was constructed using agarose hydrogel (AG), CuS-polydopamine (CP), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), imidacloprid (IM), and ferriferrous oxide (Fe3O4). Therein, ZIF-8 with a large specific surface area was used to efficiently load IM molecules. CP, as a photothermal agent, could soften AG and enlarge the pores in hydrogel spheres under NIRL, resulting in the release of IM. After release, Fe3O4 was beneficial to conveniently collect the remaining NDRI from water. Additionally, the AG hydrogel with a porous structure acted as a good carrier for NDRI. Importantly, NDRI possessed an outstanding controlled-release property and could be reutilized at least for four times. Consequently, this technology may provide a potential approach to control release of IM, improve utilization efficiency, and decline pesticide usage and contamination to environment.