| Summary: | This work presents a novel approach to synthesizing magnetic core-shell nanocomposites, consisting of magnetic nanoparticles and a metal-organic framework, for environmental applications. The synthesis is based on the encapsulation of magnetic Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles with microporous zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals via ultrasonic activation under a continuous supply of precursor solutions. This sonochemical approach is proven to be a fast, cost-effective, and controllable route for the preparation of magnet-responsive Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@ZIF-8 nanoparticles with a core-shell structure. The functional nanomaterial possesses a high content of ZIF-8 and combined micro/mesoporosity, and thus can be used as adsorbents that can be easily separated using a magnet. In particular, the sonochemically prepared Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@ZIF-8 exhibits significant adsorption performance for the removal of copper ions from water: a short adsorption time (10 min), high maximum uptake capacity (345 mg g<sup>−1</sup>), and excellent removal efficiency (95.3%). These performances are interpreted and discussed based on the materials characteristics of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@ZIF-8 established by microscopy, gas sorption, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis.
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