Cr(III)-imprinted polymeric beads: Sorption and preconcentration studies

The purpose of this study is to prepare a novel molecular imprinted adsorbent to Cr(III) analysis with high selectivity. Initially, chromium (III)-methacryloylhistidine (MAH/Cr(III)) complex monomer was synthesized and then Cr(III) ion imprinted ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate-methacryloylhistidine (poly(EDMA-MAH/Cr(III))) was polymerized. Cr(III) ions were removed from the Cr(III)-imprinting polymer. Selective cavity for the chromium (III) ions was obtained in the (poly(EDMA-MAH/Cr(III))) beads. These Cr(III)-imprinted beads were used in the sorption-desorption process. The effect of initial concentration of metal, the sorption rate and the pH of the medium on sorption capacity of Cr(III)-imprinting sorbents were studied. Sorption equilibrium time was achieved in about 30 min. The maximum sorption of Cr(III) ions onto imprinted beads was about 69.28 mg/g. Sorption studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions were also investigated using Cr(III)-imprinting polymers. The obtained results show that selectively adsorbed amount of Cr(III) ion on Cr(III)-imprinting polymers is higher than all other studied ions. When the beads were used repeatedly, their adsorption capacity was showed feasibility.