Synthesis and Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Using the Precipitation Polymerization Method

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIP) is a synthetic functional material that can recognize target molecules selectively. This study aims to synthesize and characterize MIP and its performance by precipitation polymerization method using methacrylic acid (MAA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and di-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Characterization of MIP was conducted by FTIR, SEM-EDS, SAA, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The effect of concentration and time on MIP adsorption ability against DEHP was also determined. SEM shows that MIP_DEHP_MAA-co-EGDMA surface morphology is arranged from more uniform, less tight, and more fine granules than NIP_MAA-co-EGDMA. FTIR characterization of MIP and NIP (Non-Imprinted Polymers) shows absorption bands of functional groups were -OH, C-H, C=O, and -C=C. SAA characterization shows MIP surface area is 137.660 m(2)/g, total pore volume 0.1555 cc/g, and an average pore radius 22.59 angstrom that indicates as mesopore material. MIP_DEHP_MAA-co-EGDMA((AE)) adsorbed DEHP better than NIP_MAA-co-EGDMA. The difference value of the adsorbed DEHP (Delta qe) was 0.212 mg/g.

Automated summary

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIP) were synthesized and characterized using precipitation polymerization method with methacrylic acid (MAA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and di-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The MIP exhibited a higher surface area, better adsorption ability for DEHP, and distinct absorption bands of functional groups compared to Non-Imprinted Polymers (NIP).