New insights into selective flotation recovery of gold using dye-derived thermo-responsive polymeric surfactant: DFT calculation and adsorption mechanism

•A new RBS-functionalized thermo-responsive polymer was synthesized.•This polymer was used as a polymeric surfactant for flotation of Au(III).•The surfactant exhibited selective capture and excellent adsorption property.•The surfactant was easily regenerated by reduced release and thermal precipitation.