Fabrication of a novel surface molecularly imprinted polymer based on zeolitic imidazolate framework-7 for selective extraction of phthalates

In this study, a novel surface molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based on zeolitic imidazolate framework (MIP@ZIF-7) was prepared using dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as template via “one-pot” method, which was used for extraction and determination four phthalates (PAEs) in food samples coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The obtained MIP@ZIF-7 was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption and contact angle tester. The adsorption performance of the prepared ZIF-7, MIP and MIP@ZIF-7 was compared and the results showed that MIP@ZIF-7 exhibited higher adsorption capacity and selectivity for PAEs owing to combining the high specific surface area and excellent stability of ZIF and the specific recognition of MIP. Subsequently, several requisite synthesis and extraction parameters were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of the method was 1–100 μg L −1 and the detection limits were in a range of 0.1–0.8 μg L −1 . The spiked recovery rate of PAEs from drinking water, carbonated beverages and fruit juices ranged from 77.1 ± 1.5% to 100.7 ± 3.4%, with relative standard deviation of 1.65–4.87% (n = 3). The results indicated that MIP@ZIF-7 could be effectively employed for extraction and determination trace PAEs in food.