Adsorbent, separation and purification apparatus using the same, and separation and purification method

摘要

The present invention provides: an adsorbent which is for use in separation/purification of a target substance contained in a liquid to be treated and with which it is possible to adequately conduct the separation/purification; a separation/purification device including the adsorbent; and a separation/purification method. An adsorbent 1 comprises: adsorptive portions 10 made up of functional molecules that desorbably adsorb a target substance L; temperature-responsive portions 20 made up of temperature-responsive molecules that undergo phase changes with changing temperature; and a support 30 that supports the adsorptive portions 10 and the temperature-responsive portions 20. The temperature-responsive portions 20 have the function of desorbing the target substance L which has been adsorbed onto the adsorptive portions 10, in association with a phase change accompanying an increase in temperature. The adsorptive portions 10 have a molecular weight not higher than twice that of the temperature-responsive portions 20. The separation/purification device is equipped with a column packed with the adsorbent 1. The separation/purification method includes a desorption step in which the target substance L having been adsorbed onto the adsorbent 1 is desorbed by a phase change of the temperature-responsive portions 20 accompnaying an increase in temperature.