Ion-imprinted polymers for selective separation of lanthanum (III) in environmental samples

This study describes the selective recognition of La(III) in aqueous solutions in the presence of various lanthanide ions by ion imprinted polymers. Ion imprinted polymers (IIPs) were prepared by suspension polymerization. N-methacryloylamido folic acid (MAFol) was used as the functional monomer. The effects of different variables such as pH, time, and initial La(III) concentration on binding characteristics were investigated. Binding equilibrium time was achieved in 20 min. The maximum binding capacity was found to be 21.5 mg La(III) g−1 polymer. Binding studies of La(III) in the presence of Th(IV), Ce(III), and Eu(III) ions were also carried out using La(III)-imprinted polymers. The imprinted polymers displayed high selectivity toward La(III) ions. The obtained binding order under competitive conditions was La(III) > Eu(III) > Ce(III) > Th(IV).