Abstract
We report a successful synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) by surface imprinting technique. The polymer was then used for selective adsorption of indole from fuel oil. Nitrogen adsorption, Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of indole–MIP. The study results show that indole–MIP has a large specific surface area and enhanced porosity. Static adsorption data indicate that the adsorption capacity of indole–MIP is 54.6639 mg g−1, with the adsorption equilibrium achieved in 40 minutes. The indole–MIP molecule has a high adsorption and elution rate due to the presence of hydrogen bond between the functional monomer (4-vinylpyridine) and the template molecule (indole). According to the results of thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption process is spontaneous. In addition, based on the results of kinetics and isotherm analysis, adsorption performances obey pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir equation. The selectivity of indole–MIP is favourable and can be reused even after 10 cycles.