A magnetic copper(II)-imprinted polymer for the selective enrichment of trace copper(II) ions in environmental water

We have developed a convenient, selective and reliable method for the rapid enrichment of trace quantities of Cu(II) by using a magnetic Cu(II) ion-imprinted polymer. This is followed by their determination by FAAS. The imprints were prepared by using (a) Cu(II) ions as the template, (b) 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as both the functional monomer and the crosslinking agent, and (c) Fe3O4 as the magnetic component. Enrichment is carried out in a single step, and adsorbed copper ions can be separated from the sample solution by applying a strong magnet. The effects of pH, elution condition, amount of imprint, and of potentially interfering ions were evaluated. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit and enrichment factor are 0.3 mu g L-1 and 100, respectively, and the recovery is > 95 %. The procedure was successfully applied in the enrichment and detection of trace copper ions in environmental water.