BackgroundThe present study reports the functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with vinyl groups through nitric acid oxidation along with reaction with allylamine. MWCNTs based imprinted polymer (MWCNT-MIP) were synthesized by means of methacrylic acid (MAA) as the monomer, trimethylol propane trimethacrylate (TRIM) as the cross linker, , '-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator and chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate pesticide molecule as the template. ResultsThe prepared material was characterized by means of FTIR, XRD and SEM analysis. The competence of MWCNT-MIP to adsorb CPF from aqueous solutions was calculated. The maximum adsorption was found to be at pH 7.0 and adsorption capability attained saturation in 3 h. The kinetic information was found to follow pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. The strong conformity of equilibrium data with the Langmuir isotherm model confirms the monolayer coverage of CPF on the MWCNT-MIP surface. The maximum adsorption ability based on the Langmuir isotherm model was found to be 38.14 mg g(-1) at 30 degrees C. The spent adsorbent was successfully regenerated by means of 0.1 mol L-1 CH3COOH. ConclusionAnalysis revealed that MWCNT-MIP could be a useful substance for the removal of CPF from aqueous solutions. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry