Selective enrichment of trace copper(II) from biological and natural water samples by SPE using ion-imprinted polymer

A novel Cu(II)-imprinted polymer sorbent was prepared by an ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) technique using (2Z)-N,N'-bis(2-aminoethylic)but-2-enediamide as the functional monomer and pentaerythritol triacylate as a crosslinker. IR, XPS, and elemental analysis techniques were used to confirm the obtained product. Subsequently, when this polymer was used as sorbent in SPE, it exhibited excellent selectivity for template ion from an aqueous solution. Quantitative extraction of Cu(II) was achieved in the pH range of 4-7. The time needed to extract each sample was less than 30 min by the batch method. The distribution ratio (D) values of IIP for Cu(II) were greatly larger than that for other ions. At optimal pH value, the maximum extraction capacity of IIP and nonimprinted polymer (NIP) was found to be 29.8 and 7.0 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption behavior of Cu(II) on the sorbents could be described by Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. The feasible flow rate of Cu(II)-containing solution for quantitative extraction onto the column packed with IIP was 1-4 mL/min, whereas for elution it was less than 1 mL/min. The developed method was successfully applied to the separation and enrichment of trace Cu(II) in biological and natural water samples with satisfactory results.