Optimization and characterization of dummy-template molecularly imprinted polymers as sorbents for the selective recognition of the polychlorinated biphenyls.

A diydroxbiphenyl molecularly imprinted polymer (DHBP-MIP) was prepared by virtual imprinting using 4,4'-diydroxbiphenyl as a template and 4-vinylpyridine as a functional monomer for the effective removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from complex environments. To aim at the removal efficiency of PCBs, the material preparation conditions were optimized, and the prepared DHBP-MIP was further characterized. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the adsorption conditions, selectivity, and reusability. The results of the experiments showed that the adsorption capacity of DHBP-MIP could reach 8.43 mg g when the material was injected at 10 mg and the initial concentration of PCBs was 20 mg L. The adsorption process of PCBs by DHBP-MIP followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models. This process is a spontaneous exothermic process. Liquid film diffusion is a factor affecting the removal rate of PCBs. The selectivity studies indicated that the selectivity coefficients for all PCBs and interference substrates in the multi-component system were larger than one and displayed outstanding selective adsorption capability towards PCBs. The DHBP-MIP also showed high reusability and stability.