Abstract
The excessive use of antibiotics has led to various environmental problems; the control and separation of these antibiotics are important in environmental science. Herein, a novel mesoporous nanocomposite, Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)@mSiO(2)-CD, has been synthesized for the removal of antibiotic compounds from aqueous media. The well-designed nanocomposite is composed of β-cyclodextrin functionalized surfaces, ordered mesoporous silica shells with large radially oriented mesopores, and nonporous silica-coated magnetic cores (Fe(3)O(4)). The synergistic action of both the mesoporous structure and the accessible cavity of β-cyclodextrin ensures the good adsorption of doxycycline. Furthermore, the Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)@mSiO(2)-CD nanocomposite can be collected, separated and easily recycled from aqueous solution using an external magnet.