Green Chemistry in Action: Exploring Microscale Separation with Novel Solvents and Nanomaterials for Trace Element Analysis

Palestrante:  Prof. Dr. Rodolfo G. Wuilloud – Universidad Nacional de Cuyo – Mendoza-Argentina

Abstract: 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-µ-SPE), will be discussed as well as the benefits of their application in combination with atomic spectrometry-based techniques.

Short Bio: Dr. Rodolfo Wuilloud is associated professor at the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences of the National University of Cuyo and Principal Researcher of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) of Argentina. He is the Director of the Interdisciplinary Institute of Basic Sciences and the Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Research and Development. He is author of about 141 international publications and 8 book chapters. During his career has imparted lectures in several scientific meetings and has presented more than 173 scientific works at international and national conferences. He has supervised several PhD students and posdocs. He has received three important prizes awarded in Argentina to prestigious scientists, including the Prize of the National Academy of Exact, Physics and Natural Sciences, the Prize of Bunge & Born Foundation and the Houssay Prize. His research includes the development of modern analytical methods for the determination of elemental species based on non-chromatographic and chromatographic separation techniques coupled to atomic spectrometry. He works on separation and preconcentration methods involving the application of nanomaterials and advanced solvents, such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, for the development solid and liquid phase microextraction techniques following the concepts of Green Analytical Chemistry.

Prof. Responsável: Marco Aurélio Zezzi Arruda