## 6 MIP/Ceramic Catalysts for Environmental Applications  
MIPs are employed in a variety of environmental applications, thanks to their exceptional selectivity and binding affinity for specific target molecules. These polymers are instrumental in detecting and monitoring various environmental pollutants, including pesticides, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and even microplastics across multiple matrices such as water, soil, and air [16; 145; 146]. For instance, in water treatment and purification, MIPs can effectively adsorb and eliminate contaminants like atrazine (a common herbicide), lead (a toxic heavy metal), and certain pharmaceuticals, thereby significantly enhancing water quality. Additionally, MIPs have shown promise in soil remediation by extracting persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), proving their effectiveness in restoring contaminated land [147; 148]. A detailed review [149; 150] explores the function of MIPs in the targeted detection of environmental pollutants. As previously described, MIPs are synthetic materials designed with specific cavities created by imprinting target molecules during polymerization. These cavities allow for the selective recognition and capture of specific substances, making MIPs particularly useful for detecting environmental pollutants. Furthermore, the authors show that MIPs are also employed in air quality monitoring, where sensors with MIPs detect and measure airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO\({}_{2}\)) [151; 152]. In biosensing and diagnostics, MIPs are used in biosensors to detect environmental pathogens and toxins and are applied to monitor waterborne diseases and microbial contamination in various settings. Some authors [153; 77] show that MIPs offer several advantages, such as high selectivity, stability under a wide range of environmental conditions, reusability without significant loss of performance, and relatively low synthesis cost compared to traditional analytical methods. Recent studies highlight the development of molecularly imprinted photocatalysts [153; 154], which combine the robustness of traditional photocatalysis with the precision of molecular imprinting technology. These MIPs are designed to selectively degrade specific pollutants, such as diclofenac, a common pharmaceutical contaminant in wastewater. The inclusion of TiO\({}_{2}\) as a photocatalytic base has shown promising results, enhancing the degradation efficiency under UV light. Furthermore, MIPs can be used as photocatalysts to mitigate pollutants dangerous to the environment, the work developed by [PERSON] et al. [155] shows that MIPs can function by adsorbing target molecules onto their imprinted cavities and subsequently catalyzing their degradation upon exposure to light, particularly UV or visible light. This approach not only enhances the removal of contaminants but also allows for the regeneration and reusability of MIPs, making them advantageous over traditional adsorbents and catalysts in terms of sustainability and long-term cost-effectiveness in water purification processes. With this in mind, Table 5 shows the main articles published in recent years regarding the application of MIPs in environmental chemistry. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l c} \hline \hline
**Title** & **Short Summary** & **Years** \\ \hline Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications [156; 157]. & Use of MIPs to remove heavy metals and other pollutants. & 2024 \\ \hline Recent advancement in fluorescent materials for optical sensing of pesticides [158]. & addresses the use of luminescent MIPs for pesticide detection, emphasizing their high selectivity and sensitivity. & 2023 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 5: Main studies published in recent years regarding the application of MIPs in environmental chemistry.