Preparation and adsorption characteristics of an ion-imprinted polymer for fast removal of Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution.

•A novel Ni(II)-IIP was prepared by bulk polymerization.•The prepared polymers have irregular shapes and three-dimension network structure.•Ni(II) ion can be eluted successfully by HCl aqueous solution.•Adsorption equilibrium was reached within 30min.•The maximum adsorption capacity is higher than other sorbents reported previously.