Radiation induced synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers

A new synthetic procedure for preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was developed. The polymerization process was initiated by gamma-radiation, in the model system with (+/-)-menthol as a template molecule. The thermal stability of MIP was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, while the specific surface area was determined from Brumauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. Adsorption properties and recognition capabilities of MIPs were examined by comparison of the adsorption isotherms of menthol and camphor (test molecule) from n-hexane. The adsorption isotherms corresponded to Langmuir type adsorption, and the difference between adsorbate-adsorbent interaction energies was clarified. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.