Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Nitrophenols - An Advanced Separation Material for Environmental Analysis

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for 4-nitrophenol have been successfully prepared by a thermal polymerization method using 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. The obtained materials were evaluated with respect to their selective recognition properties for 4-nitrophenol by HPLC using organic and aqueous eluents. Furthermore, the specific binding sites that have been created during the polymerization process were analyzed via radioligand binding assays. The successful imprinting against 4-nitrophenol provides a new opportunity for advanced separation materials used in environmental analysis.