Core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer for selective recognition and detection of S-metolachlor in aqueous samples

In the present study, an eco-friendly approach for preparing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) applying on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) core is reported. The synthesis of pH sensitive MIPs was accomplished utilizing S-metolachlor as a template molecule, acrylic acid and acrylamide as a functional monomers, N,N′- methylenebis(acrylamide) as a cross-linking agent, and water as a porous agent. The morphology and shape of the particles were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The sorbents were subjected to detailed analysis using FT-IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The synthesized CS-MIPs exhibited a high degree of selectivity towards the target molecule S-metolachlor, sorbing it more than twice as effectively as atrazine and 2,4-D. The obtained CS-MIPs were successfully employed to the detection of S-metolachlor in both model and real samples. A methodology for the regeneration of sorbents has been developed, allowing for the reuse of the same material several times.