Matrix-induced modification of imprinting effect for Cu2+ adsorption in hybrid silica matrices Original Research Article

Matrix-induced modification of the imprinting effect for Cu2+ adsorption in sol–gel sorbents has been investigated. This investigation shows that the hydrophobicity of the sol–gel matrices enhances the imprinting effect and selectivity of the sorbents toward target ions. Modification of the matrix hydrophobicity can be easily achieved by copolymerizing tetramethylorthosilicate and methyltrimethoxysilane or phenyltrimethoxysilane.