Calix[4]arenes functionalized dual‐imprinted mesoporous film for the simultaneous selective recovery of lithium and rubidium

Calixarenes have been drawing tremendous interest due to their special structure, superior properties and numerous applications. In this work, a novel adsorbent material, calix[4]arenes functionalized dual‐imprinted mesoporous film (DIMFs) for the simultaneous selective recovery of Li(I) and Rb(I), was prepared via surface ionic imprinting. Compared with ordinary adsorbent materials, the synthesis process of the films used a cheap bio‐template and did not require extra steps but significantly enhances adsorption properties. The morphology and structure of prepared DIMFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements. Adsorption parameters (pH and temperature), adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms of the DIMFs were investigated by adsorption experiments. This novel adsorbent has inorganic–organic hybrid frameworks, high specific surface area and uniform pore size. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics of DIMFs were investigated; suggesting that the adsorption data well fits the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption kinetics can be described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. In addition, dual‐imprinted mesoporous film exhibited superior selectivity for Li(I) and Rb(I). Cycle test demonstrated an outstanding of reusability, which appreciating their potential for industrial application.