Insights into ion-imprinted materials for the recovery of metal ions: Preparation, evaluation and application

Ion imprinting is an extension of molecular imprinting in which target ions are used as templates to prepare ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) with specific ion recognition. IIPs have applications in electrochemical sensors, solid-phase extraction, preconcentration, membrane separation, and water treatment due to their advantages of simple preparation, fixed hole size, stable structure, good environmental stability, strong regeneration ability, and selectivity to template ions. Here, based on the latest progress of this new technology, we have carried out a systematic review, summarized 1) the principle, basic components and polymerization methods of metal ion imprinted polymers; 2) the cross-application status of metal ion imprinting technology and other technologies; 3) influence of experimental parameters on properties of metal ion-imprinted polymers; 4) development prospects of metal ion imprinted polymers; 5) recent progress in the synthesis and application of major group metal elements, transition metal elements and rare earth metal elements. Finally, prospects and future research are discussed to address the urgent need to develop metal imprinted polymers for metal ion recovery.