<p>Molecular imprinting is a successful procedure for preparation of porous polymers with template-specific cavities for wide range of applications. In this research work, AFM investigations have been reported, specifically z-axis atomic forces to view the geometrical features 3-dimensionally at sub-micron level size of imprinted cavities. The binding properties of imprinted cavities alike to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the nanofilms was investigated using adsorption assay. The homogenous population of binding sites and controlled microporosity of imprinted cavities in the porous nanofilms was determined by the adsorption isotherm and the Scathard plots. The micropores in imprinted polymer are remarkable features to capture selectively PAHs from aqueous solutions.</p> Graphical abstract <p>AFM micrographs showing surface morphology of MIP nanofilms and binding capacities</p> <p></p>