Synthesis of MRGO@ZIF-7-Based Molecular Imprinted Polymer by Surface Polymerization for the Fast and Selective Removal of Phenolic Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals from Aqueous Environments

Abstract

In this study, Zn(NO3)2·6H2O was selected as the metal source, and ZIF-7-modified magnetic graphene-based matrix materials (MRGO@ZIF-7) were prepared by in situ growth. ZIF-7 modified magnetic graphene-based molecular imprinting complexes (MRGO@ZIF7-MIP) were successfully synthesized by a surface molecular imprinting technique using bisphenol A (BPA) as the template molecule. The obtained experimental materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunner–Emmet–Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The proper adsorption and selective recognition ability of the MRGO@ZIF7-MIP were studied by an equilibrium adsorption method. The obtained MRGO@ZIF7-MIP showed significant molecular recognition of bisphenol A (BPA) and good selectivity and reproducibility for BPA in different aqueous environments such as drinking water, river water, and lake water. These properties make this material potentially applicable for the efficient removal of phenolic endocrine disruptors in real water environments.