Application of Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Hybrids as Innovative Sorbents for Separation and Pre-concentration of Trace Elements by Dispersive Micro-Solid Phase Extraction: A Minireview

Abstract

It is indisputable that separation techniques have found their rightful place in current analytical chemistry, considering the growing complexity of analyzed samples and (ultra)trace concentration levels of many studied analytes. Among separation techniques, extraction is one of the most popular ones due to its efficiency, simplicity, low cost and short processing times. Nonetheless, research interests are directed toward the enhancement of performance of these procedures in terms of selectivity. Dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) represents a novel alternative to conventional solid phase extraction (SPE) which not only delivers environment-friendly extraction with less solvent consumption, but also significantly improves analytical figures of merit. A miniaturized modification of DSPE, known as dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (DMSPE), is one of the most recent trends and can be applied for the extraction of wide variety of analytes from various liquid matrices. While DSPE procedures generally use sorbents of different origin and sizes, in DMSPE predominantly nanostructured materials are required. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of recently published original papers on DMSPE procedures in which metallic nanoparticles and hybrid materials containing metallic particles along with other (often carbon-based) constituent(s) at the nanometer level have been utilized for separation and pre-concentration of (ultra)trace elements in liquid samples. The studies included in this review emphasize the great analytical potential of procedures producing reliable results in the analysis of complex liquid matrices, where the detection of target analyte is often complicated by the presence of interfering substances.

Preconcentration and Separation of Gold Nanoparticles from Environmental Waters Using Extraction Techniques Followed by Spectrometric Quantification

“…After a certain amount of time, the analyte-loaded sorbent is separated from the solution by centrifugation. Prior to quantitative instrumental analysis, the analytes are eluted from the media using a solvent that the analytes are soluble in [ 61 ].…”

Environmentally friendly nanoflower Al2O3@carbon spheres as adsorbent for dispersive solid-phase microextraction of copper and lead in food and water samples

“…11 Aluminium oxide is one of the metal oxides used as a sorbent material in d-SPμE owing to its high thermal and mechanical stability, low-temperature modification, good extraction efficiency, amphoteric property and biocompatibility. 12 Mono-functional nanomaterials provide a single function while the carbonaceous materials (like graphene and carbon nanotube) combined with various metal oxides improve the extraction efficiency of the sorbents owing to their synergetic effects. In this case, the surface area of the adsorbent increases and it provides more active sites.…”

Role of Exopolysaccharides of Pseudomonas in Heavy Metal Removal and Other Remediation Strategies

“…The chemical leaching of soils and sediments by applying strong inorganic and organic acids and persistent synthetic chelating agents (e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or its derivatives) to solubilize contaminants has also been successfully tested for heavy metal removal [ 7 ]. Reactive solid inorganic and biological substances, as well as materials with active surfaces (e.g., zero-valent iron, ferric oxides and oxohydroxides, nanomaterials, zeolite, biological waste) have been studied as potential components of permeable treatment barriers to restrict the movement of the contaminant in the environment [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. However, in some cases, unpredictable effects regarding the toxicity and mobility of generated species can be expected since these interactions are usually non-specific.…”