Abstract: Purpose A novel grafted temperature-responsive ReO4- Imprinted composite membranes (Re-ICMs) was successfully prepared by using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin membranes as substrates, this study aimed to separate and purify ReO effectively. Design/methodology/approach Re-ICMs were synthesized by PVDF resin membranes as the substrate, acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were functional monomers. The morphology and structure of Re-ICMs were characterized by scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Findings The maximum adsorption capacity toward ReO4- was 0.1,163 mmol/g and the separation decree had relation to MnO4- was 19.3. The optimal operation conditions were studied detailedly and the results as follows: the molar ratios of AA, AM, EGDMA, ascorbic acid, NH4ReO4, were 0.8, 0.96, 0.02, 0.003 and 0.006. The optimal time and temperature were 20 h and 40℃ , respectively. The Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models were fit these adsorption characteristics well. Practical implications Rhenium (Re) is mainly used to chemical petroleum and make superalloys for jet engine parts. This study was representing a technology in separate and purify of Re, which provided a method for the development of the petroleum and aviation industry. Originality/value This contribution provided a novel method to separate ReO4- from MnO4-. The maximum adsorption capacity was 0.1163 mmol/g at 35℃ and the adsorption equilibrium time was within 2 h. Meanwhile, the adsorption selectivity rate ReO4-/MnO4- was 19.3 and the desorption rate was 78.3%. Controlling the adsorption experiment at 35℃ and desorption experiment at 25℃ in aqueous solution, it could remain 61.3% of the initial adsorption capacity with the adsorption selectivity rate of 13.3 by 10 adsorption/desorption cycles, a slight decrease, varied from 78.3% to 65.3%, in desorption rate was observed