Effect of template ion–ligand complex stoichiometry on selectivity of ion-imprinted polymers

International audience; In order to highlight the importance of the complex stoichiometry during ion imprinted polymer (IIP) synthesis, we investigated the effect of the complex structure on IIPs selectivity by adjusting the complex stoichiometry before polymerization. 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine monomer (amp) was chosen as a functionalized ligand for nickel(II) ions and a polymerizable vinylbenzyl derivative (Vbamp) was prepared. Complex formation was studied by varying the nickel/Vbamp ratio and recording absorption spectra of the complexes at the polymerization conditions. Using a least-squares minimization scheme, the complex species distribution was successfully established. From these results, it was possible to choose the metal/ligand stoichiometry in the complex (1:1; 1:2 or 1:3) by adjusting the initial metal/ligand ratio. IIPs were then prepared by inverse suspension copolymerization of Vbamp with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EDMA). Highly porous particles with good nickel binding capacity and good Ni/Zn selectivity even at acidic conditions were obtained. Equilibrium uptake of Ni(II) at pH 7 ranged from 0.12 to 0.2 mmol g−1 and relative selective coefficient was as high as 260 for the IIP prepared using the Ni(Vbamp)2 complex.