Selective Solid Phase Extraction of Copper from Different Samples using Copper Ion-Imprinted Polymer

Ion imprinted polymer (IIP) for copper was synthesized for selective extraction of copper from different samples for analysis using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In the synthesis of ion-imprinted polymer Cu(II) ion (template), 2,2'-bibyridine (ligand) and 4-vinylpyridine (functional monomer) which formed a complex through coordination with Cu(II) ion, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (cross-linker) and 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (initiator) were used. The ion-imprinted polymer and non-imprinted polymer (NIP) were synthesized via precipitation polymerization process. The synthesized polymers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Variables affecting the solid phase extraction of Cu(II) such as pH, initial Cu(II) concentration and time were studied in batch experiments. Quantitative retention of Cu(II) on IIP was achieved at pH 7. The IIP selectivity for copper ion extraction was higher as compared to NIP in the presence of other competing metal ions. The method was successfully applied to the determination of copper in multivitamin tablet, various natural water samples and industrial effluent.