The performance optimization and specific adsorption of L-phenylalanine imprinted polymers using 1-vinyl-3-carboxymethylimidazolium chloride as functional monomer

L-Phenylalanine (L-Phe) imprinted polymers (L-MIPs) were prepared via precipitation polymerization using 1-vinyl-3-carboxymethylimidazolium chloride ([VCIM]Cl) as functional monomer, which could interact with L-Phe through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen-bonding, and π–π interactions. The morphologies of obtained polymers were observed by a scanning electron microscope, and their structures were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of monomer species and molar ratio of template to functional monomer or crosslinker on adsorption capacity and imprinting factors (IFs) of polymers were investigated. The result indicated that [VCIM]Cl was preferable monomer and the optimum molar ratio of template to functional monomer and crosslinker was 1:4:16. The maximum IF of the obtained L-MIPs could reach 3.86 in 0.4 mg mL−1 L-Phe solution at 25 °C, after 8 h of adsorption and the maximum adsorption capacity of L-MIPs for L-Phe was 33.08 mg g−1. The adsorption behavior of L-Phe on the L-M...