Using Zn(II)-Quercetin complex as template (Quercetin is a kind of flavonoids which are important active ingredients of Chinese herbs.), 4-vinylpyridine as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as the crosslinker and linear water-soluble polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG M_w＝600) as the additive, Zn(II)-Quercetin metal-complexing imprinted polymer membrane with supporting structure were prepared through in-situ polymerization by UV irradiation. The surface morphologies of metal-complexing imprinted polymer membranes with different PEG dosage were determined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of additive PEG on the infiltration rate and permeation selectivity of the imprinted polymer membranes were investigated systematically. The experimental results indicated that the addition of the linear water-soluble polymer PEG could significantly improve the permeation properties of the imprinted polymer membrane, and compared with Quercetin s structural analogs (Rutin and Naringenin), the Zn(II)-Quercetin imprinted polymer membrane exhibited significant permeation selectivity for Quercetin, including selectivities to the anions and cations.

Key words: metal-complexing polymer membrane, membrane permeation, Quercetin, Zn(II)