On the effect of ethanol solution on melamine template removal process

The present communication describes the successful production of molecularly printed polymers with the application of the cooling-heating method. The first step refers to the introduction of melamine to an aqueous solution of ethanol. Methacrylate acid, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and benzoyl peroxide are then added as a monomer, a cross-linker, and an initiator, respectively. The solution is stirred at 15°C for 15 min and subsequently transferred to a vial to be cooled at-5°C for an hour. Then the solution is heated for 3 h at 75°C, for another 3 h at 80°C, and for additional 3 h at 85°C. The solid material obtained is then crushed into a powder. The template removal process is carried out through washing with an aqueous ethanol solution. A polymer called MIP is obtained. The FTIR, XRD, HPLC, and SEM characterization results show that the concentration of melamine in MIP is decreased as a result of the removal process. The presence of more cavities in MIP indicates that it can be applied as a membrane sensor.