Poly([1-vinyl-3-hexylimidazolium] [bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide]) (poly([VHIM][Tf2N])) was assessed for its ability to adsorb bio-ethanol from Chamaecyparis obtuse leaves fermentation broths. Poly([VHIM][Tf2N]) was prepared by poly([VHIM][Br]) ion exchange with Li(Tf2N). Poly([VHIM][Br]) was obtained using a thermal-initiated polymerization method. The factors affecting the adsorption capacity of poly([VHIM][Tf2N]), such as the initial concentration of bio-ethanol in the fermentation broth, adsorption temperature and dosage of the adsorbent, as well as the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium of poly([VHIM][Tf2N]) were investigated. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms used to describe the adsorption of bio-ethanol on the adsorbent showed good correlation coefficients of 0.97, 0.96 and 0.98, respectively. A comparison of the separation factors for ethanol/water, ethanol/glucose and ethanol/xylose revealed poly([VHIM][Tf2N]) to have preferential selectivity for bio-ethanol. Compared to activated carbon, poly([VHIM][Tf2N]) exhibited higher adsorption capacity for bio-ethanol under the same adsorption conditions. The adsorbent could be used for 5 cycles with good efficiency, highlighting its reusability as an adsorbent. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.