Optimization of chitosan and β-cyclodextrin molecularly imprinted polymer synthesis for dye adsorption

In this study, two types of novel molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared, for toxic and carcinogenic dyes adsorption. Substrates of the polymeric matrix of the two MIPs were β-cyclodextrin and chitosan. The conditions in the polymerization/imprinting stage and in the rebinding/adsorption step were optimized. The effect of a range of parameters (polymer, cross-linker, and initiator concentrations, reaction time and pH) on the selectivity and adsorption capacity of the dye-MIPs were investigated. Their dye rebinding properties were demonstrated by equilibrium batch experiments (fitting with Freundlich model) and their kinetic rates were exported by the pseudo-first order model. Additionally, a thermodynamic evaluation was carried out through the determination of enthalpy, entropy, and free energy. The selectivity of MIPs was elucidated by their different rebinding capabilities in a trichromatic mixture (composed of related structurally dyes). Regeneration/reuse of the dye-loaded polymers was evaluated via sequential adsorption–desorption cycles.