Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Molecularly Imprinted Membrane with Blending SiO2 Nanoparticles for Ferulic Acid

Abstract

A ferulic acid molecularly imprinted membrane (MIM) with blending SiO2 nanoparticles was constructed using photoinitiated copolymerization. The MIMs were synthesized using ferulic acid as template, 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as functional monomer, Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker. The synthetic conditions such as the mass content and size of the SiO2 nanoparticles and the UV exposure times were optimized to obtain the membrane with superior performance. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FT-IR Spectrometer had been used to visualize the structure morphology of the molecularly imprinted membrane and to quantity pore size and the surface characteristics. The recognition properties of all prepared membranes were thoroughly investigated by using the cross flow membrane filtration equipment to calculate the selectivity factor and the water flux. Results indicated that the ferulic acid composite MIM which with 0.25 wt% SiO2 nanoparticles and 130–140 min exposure time were founded be optimum parameters. It showed good recognition ability to ferulic acid as well as high hydrophilicity and outstanding mechanical strength.