Ion-imprinted MnO₂/CoFe₂O₄ Janus magnetic micromotors synthesized by a lotus pollen template for highly selective recognition and capture of Pb(ii) ions

Micromotors that combine the merits of micro-devices with specific functions and autonomous motion have numerous applications in environmental remediation. However, their practical application is blocked by low productivity, a complex preparation process and high cost. Herein, we developed a facile biomass route to synthesize ion-imprinted MnO2/CoFe2O4 Janus micromotors with appealing recognition and capture capacities for Pb(ii) ions. Owing to the combination of autonomous motion, the ion imprinting technique, and magnetic recovery, the ion-imprinted MnO2/CoFe2O4 Janus micromotors exhibited highly sensitive and selective adsorption and quick removal of lead ions from water. Such a Janus micromotor reveals great potential in environmental remediation.