A simple and cost-effective synthesis route using itaconic acid to prepare a magnetic ion-imprinted polymer for preconcentration of Pb (II) from aqueous media.

A new Pb (II) magnetic ion-imprinted polymer (Pb-MIIP) was successfully investigated for the selective extraction of Pb (II) from an aqueous solution. MIIP nanostructures were developed using itaconic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4@ITA) as a novel magnetic core, ITA as a functional monomer and chelating agent, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker, and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The triple application of ITA in the synthesis and reduction of the number of compounds in the preparation of the MIIP, in addition to being economical, reduces the possibility of side reactions. The synthesized products were followed and confirmed in each step by instrumental and microscopic methods. The limit of detection of the Pb (II)-MIIP method was 0.21 μg L-1. Under the optimal conditions, the recovery (R%) was >90% with a relative standard deviation (RSD%) of <4.9%. The synthesized MIIP was reusable and successfully used to extract Pb (II) from tap water samples.