Fabrication of highly selective ion imprinted macroporous membranes with crown ether for targeted separation of lithium ion

A macroporous polymer- ion imprinted macroporous membranes (IIMMs) was synthesized using Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as membrane matrix and crown ether (CE) as function monomer by using phase inversion technique. In addition, dopamine (DA) was introduced between PVDF membrane matrix and imprinted layer to ensure combinative in a stable fashion. Attributing to the unique properties of CE can react with alkali metal ions to form a stable complex, promoting the growth of large and homogeneous specific recognition cavity on the surface of IIMMs, hence the IIMMs exhibited highly effective in separation performance of template ion (Li⁺). Classical adsorption isotherms including Langmuir and Freundlich and kinetic toward Li⁺of IIMMs and NIMMs were employed to describe the adsorption equilibria. The excellent separation (maximum selectivity factor α is 4.42) and recognition behavior coupling with the low preparation consumed and green, quick, facile synthesis conditions make the as-prepared IIMMs attractive in broad technological applications of recognition and separation of Li⁺in salt lake.