Preparation of novel gallic acid-based dummy-template molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbents for rapid adsorption of dibutyl phthalate from water

Shunying Li ¹, Yuanhao Zhou ¹, Qiangqiang Xu ²

⁰Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.

Environmental Pollution +

|

April 7, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study developed cost-effective mussel-inspired molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for efficient phthalate ester (PAE) removal. The GAHD-MIP demonstrated rapid adsorption kinetics and high capacity, offering a promising solution for environmental remediation.

Area Of Science

Environmental Chemistry
Polymer Science
Materials Science

Background

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are prevalent environmental pollutants with significant human health risks.
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are recognized for their selectivity in removing target pollutants.
Developing efficient and sustainable adsorbents for PAE removal is crucial for environmental protection.

Purpose Of The Study

To synthesize and evaluate mussel-inspired molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the selective adsorption of phthalate esters (PAEs).
To investigate the adsorption performance, kinetics, and regeneration capabilities of the developed MIPs.
To identify optimal synthesis strategies, including the use of dummy templates, for enhanced PAE removal.

Main Methods

Preparation of three mussel-inspired MIPs using gallic acid (GA), hexanediamine (HD), tannic acid (TA), and dopamine (DA).
Evaluation of adsorption capacity and kinetics using phthalate esters as target pollutants.
Comparison of MIP performance using different dummy templates, including diallyl phthalate (DAP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Analysis of adsorption isotherms and regeneration efficiency over multiple cycles.

Main Results

The gallic acid and hexanediamine-derived MIP (GAHD-MIP) exhibited the highest adsorption capacity among the synthesized materials.
Rapid adsorption equilibrium was achieved, with 97.43% of capacity reached within 5 minutes.
Diallyl phthalate (DAP) proved to be a more suitable dummy template than dibutyl phthalate (DBP) for MIP preparation.
Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and adsorption behavior aligned with the Freundlich isotherm model.
The GAHD-MIP demonstrated excellent reusability, maintaining high performance after 7 regeneration cycles.

Conclusions

The developed GAHD-MIP offers a low-cost, efficient, and rapid adsorbent for phthalate ester removal.
The use of green raw materials and a low-toxicity dummy template contributes to the sustainability of the adsorbent.
This study provides valuable insights for designing and developing novel MIPs for environmental remediation applications.

Keywords:

Adsorption Dibutyl phthalate Dummy template Gallic acid Mussel-inspired MIP