Integrated, Molecularly Imprinted Polymeric Membranes for the Concentration of BPA in a Capacitive Deionization Process

Authors

Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) toward bisphenol A (BPA) in the shape of microspheres with an average sphere size of 40 µm were obtained by a two-step process of membrane emulsification and then suspension polymerization. The prepared materials were used for the removal of BPA from the real and model aqueous solutions. The synthesized microspheres were then integrated into thin solid membranes made of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The imprinted merged membranes were used in the capacitive deionization process to concentrate the amount of bisphenol A in aqueous solutions. The 30-minute process allowed a bisphenol A concentration of 63.7%. Three sorption/desorption cycles were performed. The total sorption capacity of BPA reached more than 80 mg/g. In all of these cases, a concentration of bisphenol A was achieved of more than 60%. The tests were also repeated after three months. The efficiency of the membranes decreased to ~ 18% of the concentration in one batch.

Graphical Abstract

Integrated, Molecularly Imprinted Polymeric Membranes for the Concentration of BPA in a Capacitive Deionization Process

Keywords


Volume 9, Issue 2
Special Issue: Honoring Prof. Marek Bryjak
April 2023
  • Receive Date: 30 August 2022
  • Revise Date: 01 December 2022
  • Accept Date: 26 February 2023