Synthesis of 4-vinylpyridine-divinylbenzene copolymer adsorbents for microwave-assisted desorption of benzene

► Macroporous polymers with hydrophilic methylpyridinium groups were synthesized. ► Microwave-assisted desorption increased with the hydrophilicity of polymers. ► Adsorbed moisture allowed indirect heating of the polymers to a higher temperature. ► The enhanced desorption was due mainly to more adsorbed moisture on the polymers.