Development of miniaturized sample preparation approaches

Abstract

This dissertation strikes at the heart of one of the major challenges associated with sample preparation, developing miniaturized and environmental-friendly microextraction methodologies. The work described involves the development of novel functional materials for sorbent phase-based microextraction, and exploration of liquid-phase microextraction system for interesting analytes of environmental concern.A zirconia hollow fiber membrane, mercapto groups-incorporated hybrid silica-based monolith and graphite fiber were synthesized and used as the sorbent phase for microextraction. These novel materials exhibited high selectivity towards nerve agent degradation products, basic compounds and hydrophobic compounds, respectively. Additionally, solvent bar microextraction based on two-phase (water-to-organic) extraction was for the first time used as the sample pretreatment method for the non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis of herbicides of environmental concern. Liquid-phase microextraction, based on ion-pair liquid-liquid-liquid microextraciton and electro membrane isolation, was established to extract four of nerve agent degradation products.