Cu(II)-imprinted porous film adsorbent Cu-PVA-SA has high uptake capacity for removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution

► The Cu-PVA-SA exhibited excellent uptake of 79.3 mg/g. ► Ionic strength significantly affected adsorption capacity of the Cu-PVA-SA. ► Solution pH decreased with increasing contact time until the adsorption equilibrium. ► The Cu-PVA-SA had high adsorption and desorption efficiencies. ► Adsorption process was mainly controlled by the intraparticle diffusion.