Advanced solvents and nanomaterials in microextraction techniques: a gateway to sensitive trace element determination and speciation

WUILLOUD, RODOLFO G.

Bento Gonçalves

Simposio; 16th RIO SYMPOSIUM ON ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY; 2023

Univesidade Federal de Santa Maria

Sample preparation is a crucial step during the determination of trace elements due to its very low concentration and the potential to be severely affected by the concomitants occurring in the samples under analysis. Therefore, for a precise and sensitive determination of trace elements, a preconcentration step is usually required before instrumental detection and solvents or sorption materials are normally applied. However, the toxicity and high volatility of organic solvents must be considered at the time of their application in classic liquid-liquid extraction techniques (LLA) or solid phase extraction (SPE) for the preconcentration of trace elements before total analysis or speciation. On the other hand, modern analytical methods focus on the development of simple, sensitive, and environmentally respectful practices that follow the principles of green chemistry (for example, substitution of toxic reagents, miniaturization, and automation).Alternative solvents have gained increasing attention in recent years for the preparation of samples, since they can be used instead of classical organic solvents that are considered highly toxic, volatile, and flammable. The use of alternative solvents has contributed to developing simpler, miniaturized, economic and environmentally friendly methodologies for the determination of trace elements. Among them, ionic liquids (ILs), surfactants, and deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been increasingly applied to the preparation of samples in the determination of trace elements. Moreover, the combination of ILs or DES with techniques aiming miniaturization of reagents and wastes could provide significant benefits for preserving our environment when analysis is developed. This presentation will describe useful strategies for the implementation of these solvents and their combination with different nanomaterials for separation and preconcentration of trace elements and their species. Modern liquid-liquid and solid-phase microextraction techniques based on ILs, DES and nanomaterials, such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) and dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D--SPE), will be discussed as well as the benefits of their application in combination with atomic spectrometry-based techniques.