Novel molecularly imprinted polymer prepared by palygorskite as support for selective adsorption of bisphenol A in aqueous solution

Novel strategy to synthesize palygorskite-supported surface molecularly imprinted polymer (SMIP) for bisphenol A (BPA) template was presented. Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis were employed for the characterization of the resulting composites. When compared with the molecularly imprinted polymer, the SMIP exhibited more excellent affinity and selectivity towards BPA in aqueous solution, with the affinity constant (b) of 1.929, the Freundlich constants (KF) of 25.758, and the distribution coefficient (Kd) of 128.390. The adsorption behaviors of the SMIP were well described by Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order model. Moreover, the sustainable reusability of the SMIP without significant loss in rebinding capacity was affirmed in four repeated cycles. These results demonstrated the potential of the prepared SMIP as an advanced separation materials for the elimination of specific endocrine disruptor in aquatic environment.