It was firstly found that hydrophobic conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) removed protein from water with a relatively higher efficiency compared with other sorbents.

The surface properties of CMPs have an obvious effect on the rate and extent of protein sorption. Since the synthesis of CMPs is easy, the structure and surface areas of CMPs can be tuned, promotion in sorption will be anticipated.

The sorption capacity of regenerated CMPs toward protein can be highly enhanced and enlarged compared with freshly made CMPs.

This research may open an opportunity to address the environmental issues especially for the global scale of protein-loaded water pollution arising from food industry.