Magnetite‐Functionalized Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Selective Removal of Dimethyl Phthalate

ABSTRACT Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), a plasticizer, causes several health issues and is dangerous for the environment. Thus, recent work has investigated a selective method, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), for DMP removal. MIP was synthesized via radical polymerization (bulk polymerization). The ratio of template to monomer was 1:4 mmol. A non‐imprinted polymer (MNIP) was prepared for comparison as well. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum showed a Si‐O‐Si bond at 1100–1050 cm −1 and a Fe‐O bond at 567.07 cm −1 indicating Fe 3 O 4 has been successfully covered by SiO 2 . The DMP was characterized by the vibration of O‐H at wavenumber 1111–1151.50 cm −1 for MMIP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated a spherical‐like particle of MMIP. Meanwhile, MNIP has a rough surface with uniform particles. The particle sizes of MMIP and MNIP were 2.675 and 2.231 nm, respectively. The optimum conditions were achieved at pH 9, contact time 60 min with adsorption capacity 175.60 μg/mg for MMIP and 172.41 μg/mg for MNIP. The percent efficiency of MMIP for DMP recognition in river water was 97.20%. The adsorption of DMP onto MMIP and MNIP obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo‐second‐order model, denoting a chemical monolayer adsorption process through hydrogen bonding.