Incorporation of nano-particle sites in polymer matrix by Metal ion imprinting

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe present an approach for synthesizing polymer matrices that have been pre-organized to bind metal ions selectively. The acyclic chelator, triethylenetetramine, was modified to include a polymerizable functional group and then complexed with a target metal ion. Unlike macro cyclic ligands, the acyclic chelators have the flexibility to form chelation rings that are dependent on metal-ion size and geometry. Therefore, we have used the complexation step as a means to optimize the chelator conformation for a particular metal ion. The resulting complex was then cross linked with the matrix monomer, TRIM (2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol trimethacrylate), to provide a rigid polymer matrix for stabilization of the conformation for the metal-ligand site. These sites were then tested for selectivity towards the imprinted metal ion. Unlike imprinting for larger molecules, the relatively smaller size of the metal ions facilitated their access to the imprinted sites embedded in the porous polymers. In addition to metal-binding applications, polymeric materials doped with metal nanoparticles and metal ions can exhibit interesting physical, chemical, optical and electronic properties.