Novel molecularly imprinted malachite green bifunctional imprinted microspheres through Pickering emulsion polymerization

Novel malachite green molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (MIP-MGs) were first synthesised using a modified powdered activated carbon-supported Bi2O3-doped TiO2 to stabilise Pickering emulsion polymerisation for removal of malachite green (MG). Adsorption, catalytic properties and effects of pH and dosage on MIP-MGs were studied. The adsorption capacity of MIP-MGs reached 38.20 mg L-1, which was about 1.8 times higher than that of non-molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (NIP-MGs) and a higher selection coefficient K ' of 4.26 and 3.75 for MG was exhibited. MIP-MGs had the best photocatalytic activity (98.25%) under the optimal conditions of 0.8 g L-1 of MIP-MGs and pH 8. In addition, photo-induced O-2(-) and h(+) were considered to be the main active substances in MG photodegradation. According to the research results, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism of MIP-MGs was proposed and discussed in detail.

Automated summary

Novel malachite green molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (MIP-MGs) were synthesized using a modified Bi2O3-doped TiO2 supported powdered activated carbon for removal of malachite green. MIP-MGs showed higher adsorption capacity and selectivity compared to non-molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (NIP-MGs), and exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity. The study proposed a possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism for MIP-MGs based on the research results.