MMIC-Fe(III) was developed for effective TC and Cd(II) removal simultaneously.
Ion-imprinted and surface modification technologies were coupled in the synthesis process.
Properties of MMIC-Fe(III) were greatly improved compared with those previously reported.
Synergistic effect of sorption were found due to the formation of complex TC-Cd(II) bridging.
The adsorption capacities are barely affected after five cycles.