Advancing greener total and speciation elemental analysis through alternative solvents

WUILLOUD, RODOLFO G.

Sao Pedro

Simposio; 17th Rio Symposium on Atomic Spectrometry; 2025

Universidad de Campinas

Atomic spectrometry-based techniques are widely employed for ultra-trace determination of elements. However, to attain precise, reliable, and sensitive results, it is imperative to complement sensitive elemental detectors with efficient sample preparation methods encompassing separation and preconcentration processes for analyte enrichment and matrix elimination.Moreover, one of the pivotal milestones in sample preparation has been the incorporation of green chemistry principles, including waste minimization, the use of safer solvents, and the development of miniaturized procedures that directly align with emerging techniques dedicated to total and speciation elemental analysis. Among the various methods available, liquid-liquid extraction, cloud point extraction, and solid-phase extraction have been instrumental in achieving these objectives. When executed at the microscale level, these techniques have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with solvents, reagents, and waste generation.1In recent years, the use of alternative solvents for sample preparation has drawn growing interest, as they offer a safer and more sustainable option compared to conventional organic solvents, which are often toxic, volatile, and flammable. These alternative solvents have enabled the development of simpler, more compact, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious analytical methods for the determination of trace elements. Among the most promising are ionic liquids (ILs), surfactants, and deep eutectic solvents (DES), which have seen expanding application in trace element analysis.2The integration of ILs and DES with miniaturized techniques not only reduces reagent consumption and waste generation but also aligns well with green chemistry principles. This presentation will explore effective approaches for using these solvents in combination with nanomaterials to develop separation and preconcentration methods for trace elements and chemical species determination. Emphasis will be placed on modern microextraction methods—such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) and dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE)—and their synergy with atomic spectrometric techniques to improve analytical performance and environmental sustainability.