Novel magnetic ion imprinted polymer as a highly selective sorbent for extraction of gold ions in aqueous samples

In this work a novel ion imprinted polymer (IIP), based on dipyridyl amine-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), was synthesized as a novel magnetic sorbent for rapid extraction, preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of gold ions. This was characterized by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (CHN) and thermal analysis (TGA/DSC). The optimum conditions, including pH of sample, eluent type and concentration and also the least amount of eluent necessary for desorption of gold ions and the time of adsorption were obtained. The effect of various cationic interferences on the adsorption of gold, specifically Pt(II) and Pd(II) ions, were evaluated. The analytical efficiency and relative standard deviation values for the determination of gold ions were 98.6% and 1.08, respectively, under the optimum conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.43 ng mL(-1) for gold extraction. The maximum capacity of the IIP modified magnetic nanoparticles was found to be greater than 76 mg g(-1). Furthermore, the accuracy of this method was confirmed using various standard materials. This method was also applied successfully for preconcentration and determination of gold ions in some real samples.