2-(Allyloxy) methylol-12-crown-4 ether functionalized polymer brushes from porous PolyHIPE using UV-initiated surface polymerization for recognition and recovery of lithium

•PVBC-g-PCE is prepared by UV-initiated polymerization from PolyHIPE for recovery of Li+.•PVBC-g-PCE has strong physical strength, high density of sites, and macroporous structure.•PVBC-g-PCE shows excellent adsorption kinetics, binding capacity, and specific selectivity.•Chemisorption via host-guest interaction may be main driving force to selective recognition.