Molecularly imprinted polymers-based hybrid materials are an emerging alternative to other adsorbents for selective monitoring and removal of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater. Various MIPs@hybrid materials for synergic adsorption/degradation of antibiotics are reviewed. Economic perspectives of hybrid materials are also discussed to address the commercial adoption of these materials.

Abstract

Increasing contamination of water bodies with antibiotics has necessitated the development of novel mitigation methods. Many studies have applied adsorption and photocatalytic processes using different nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, etc., as sorbents and photocatalysts for antibiotics removal. Among these materials, the development of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) is desirable owing to their low cost, structural predictability, detection at deficient concentrations, and versatile applicability. These attributes further encouraged researchers to fabricate hybrid MIP-based materials to abate antibiotic contamination in wastewater. This review summarizes recent studies that deal with conventional and hybrid MIPs such as MIPs-hybrid carbon nanomaterials, magnetic nanomaterials, advanced MIP-based sensors, and photocatalytic materials MIPs for synergic adsorption/separation of antibiotic residuals from wastewater. Economic perspectives of the emerging hybrid materials are also discussed. Some limitations, research gaps, and future potentials for further advancement and efficient remediation results are outlined.