Combinatorial molecular imprinting for formation of atrazine decomposing polymers

Synthetic polymers capable of atrazine-selective decomposition were prepare d by molecular imprinting. A combinatorial approach was employed using an a utomated polymer preparation/evaluation system for the selection of functio nal monomers to construct the atrazine decomposition sites. Combined use of methacrylic acid and 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate provided atrazine-decomposi ng polymers in which atrazine was converted to a non toxic compound atraton and the imprinting effects enhanced the catalytic activity.