Pt(IV) ion-imprinted polymer (Pt(IV)-IIP) was synthesized in the form of porous particles with dimensions of 100-400 mu m by the copolymerization of divinylbenzene and styrene in the presence of self-assembled chelates of 4-vinylpyridine and dimethylglyoxime functional monomers along with Pt(IV) ions. The chemical structure of Pt(IV)-IIP was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The pore size and structure of Pt(IV)-IIP was characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis and scanning electron microscope. The effects of pH and the initial concentration of Pt(IV) on the selective adsorption behavior for the template ion was investigated using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Compared to nonimprinted polymer particles, the Pt(IV)-IIPs illustrated excellent selectivity toward the template ion, Pt(IV), over other competitive ions such as Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II). The selectivity coefficients (alpha) of Pt(IV)/Ni(II), Pt(IV)/Cu(II), Pt(IV)/Zn(II), and Pt(IV)/Pd(II) were 330.27, 359.89, 463.91, and 4.85, respectively. The study on the selective separation of Pt(IV) from the spent catalyst solution revealed the potential application of Pt(IV)-IIP particles in the practical industry.