A novel N,N′-bis(acetylacetone)ethylenediimine functionalized silica-core shell magnetic nanosorbent for manetic dispersive solid phase extraction of copper in cereal and water samples

CoSn(OH)6 nanocubes as a solid sorbent for the effective preconcentration of copper ions in cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) extract

This study was aimed at developing a simple and efficient CoSn(OH)6 nanocubes-based preconcentration method for the preconcentration of copper ions from cinnamon extracts for determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The cube-shaped sorbent was synthesized using the simple stoichiometric co-precipitation method under ambient conditions. Experimental factors of the method were evaluated with a comprehensive optimization approach to maximize the extraction efficiency for the analyte. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), and linear dynamic range were recorded as 0.98 µg/L, 3.28 µg/L, and 4.0-75 µg/L, respectively. The enhancement factor was calculated as 101.6-fold by comparing the LODs of the optimized and direct analysis systems. Percent recoveries were found to be within an acceptable range (77.6-115 %), with high repeatability using matrix matching calibration strategy. Results validated the proposed method as a highly efficient extraction approach for the monitoring of copper ions in herbal cinnamon extracts.

Digital image determination of copper in food and water after preconcentration and magnetic tip separation for in-cavity desorption/color development

A new analytical method for measuring copper in food and water was developed and validated, employing a solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique combined with digital-image-based (DIB) detection. A novel magnetic adsorbent of zinc ferrite/Citrullus colocynthis biochar (ZF@C.BC) was used to preconcentrate copper. A magnetic tip was used to separate the copper-loaded adsorbent from the extraction medium and to dispense it to the DIB plate. In-situ desorption and development of the spot color with iodide-starch reagent were carried out, and a digital image of the developed spots was captured using a smartphone and processed using ImageJ software. The copper adsorption capacity was 91.3 mg g-1. Desorption was effected using a 0.3 mol L-1 hydrochloric acid. The preconcentration factor was 300, the limit of detection was 4.8 μg L-1, the linearity was 16-600 μg L-1 and the sample throughput was 12 h-1. The developed approach was validated by analyzing food and water samples, confirming recoveries ≥ 91 % and 88 %, respectively, with RSD ≤ 8.4 %, n = 3.

Nanomagnetic tetraaza (N4 donor) macrocyclic Schiff base complex of copper(ii): synthesis, characterizations, and its catalytic application in Click reactions

In this research, a novel nanomagnetic tetra-azamacrocyclic Schiff base complex of copper(ii) was produced via a post-synthetic surface modification of an Fe3O4 surface by a silane-coupling agent that contains acetylacetone functionalities at the end of its chain. Moreover, the target Cu complex that involves a tetradentate Schiff base ligand was obtained from a template reaction with o-phenylenediamine and Cu(NO3)2·3H2O. Furthermore, the prepared complex was nominated as [Fe3O4@TAM-Schiff-base-Cu(II)]. The Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicates the presence of a Schiff-base-Cu complex in the catalyst. X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and TGA analysis reveal that approximately 6-7% of the target catalyst comprises hydrocarbon moieties. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images demonstrate the presence of uniformly shaped particles, nearly spherical in nature, with sizes ranging from 9 to 18 nm. [Fe3O4@TAM-Schiff-base-Cu(II)] was applied as a catalyst for the click synthesis of a diverse range of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles in PEG-400 as a green medium. Regarding the electrical properties of the Cu(ii) complex, the presence of a tetra-aza (N4 donor) macrocyclic Schiff base as an N-rich ligand was reasonable - leading to its excellent capacity to catalyze these organic transformations. Finally, the high magnetization value (44.92 emu g-1) of [Fe3O4@TAM-Schiff-base-Cu(II)] enables its recycling at least four times without compromising the catalytic efficiency.

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

A fast and simple dispersive solid-phase microextraction method (d-SPμE) was described for the determination of copper and lead in food, water, and sediments using FAAS. Firstly, nanoflower Al2O3@carbon spheres composite (NF Al2O3@CSs) was synthesized and then characterized. The obtained NF Al2O3@CSs was used for the d-SPμE of copper and lead in aqueous solutions. The influence of important parameters like pH, contact time, eluent conditions, volume of sample, and competing ion effects on the d-SPμE efficiency of copper and lead was investigated. They were pH, 7; eluent, 2 mol L-1 HCl (2 mL); sample volume, 250 mL for copper and 150 mL for lead with recoveries ≥90%. The adsorption and elution of analytes on NF Al2O3@CSs were realized quickly without vortexing. The LODs of the d-SPμE for copper and lead were found to be 0.69 μg L-1 and 2.8 μg L-1, respectively, while its PF was 125 for copper and 75 for lead. The intra-day precision and inter-day repeatability (RSD%, n = 7) were 1.3% and 1.6% for Cu(II) and 2.3% and 3.2% for Pb(II), respectively. Finally, the accuracy of the d-SPμE was investigated by determination of the analytes in four certified reference materials (TMDA-53.3 Lake water, NW-TMDA-54.6 Lake water, NIST 1573a Tomato leaves, and NIST RM 8704 Buffalo River Sediment). The analyte recoveries together with analyses of dam water, river water, wastewater, sea water, sumac, tea, chocolate, and lentils were studied. The results indicate that recoveries ranged from 90 to 103% in water samples and 91 to 110% in food samples.

Multi-excitation wavelength of gold nanocluster-based fluorescence sensor array for sulfonamides discrimination

Sulfonamides (SAs) are widely used in many fields because of their advantages, including low price, wide antibacterial spectrum, and high stability. However, their accumulation in the human body leads to a variety of serious diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to design a convenient, effective, and sensitive method to detect SAs. Moreover, the fluorescence excitation spectrum has rich information characteristics, especially for the interaction between fluorophore and quencher via various mechanisms. However, the excitation wavelength-guided sensor array construction does not draw proper attention. To address these issues, we used BSA-AuNCs as a single probe to construct a sensor array for the detection of five SAs. The selected SAs showed different quenching effects on the fluorescence intensities of BSA-AuNCs. The changes in the fluorescence intensity at different excitation wavelengths (λ = 230, 250, and 280 nm) have been applied to construct our sensor array and address the distinguishability between the selected SAs. With helping of pattern recognition methods, five different SAs have been identified at three different concentrations. Additionally, qualitative analysis at different moral ratios and quantitative analysis at nanogram concentrations have been considered. Moreover, the proposed sensor array was successfully used to distinguish between different SAs in commercial milk with an accuracy of 100 %. This study provides a simple and powerful approach to SAs detection. Also, it shows a broad application prospect in the field of food and drug monitoring.

Nickel hydroxide nanoflower-based dispersive solid-phase extraction of copper from water matrix

In this work, a dispersive solid-phase extraction method based on Ni(OH)₂ nanoflowers (Ni(OH)₂-NFs-DSPE) was developed to separate and preconcentrate copper ions from tap water samples for determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Ni(OH)₂-NFs was synthesized using a homogeneous precipitation technique and used as sorbent for copper preconcentration. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized sorbent. All experimental variables were carefully optimized to achieve a high enhancement factor of 107.5-folds with respect to the detection sensitivity of the conventional FAAS. The proposed method's analytical parameters including LOD, LOQ, and linear range were determined as 1.33 μg/L, 4.42 μg/L, and 3.0-40 μg/L, respectively. To assess the applicability and reliability of the developed method, optimal conditions were applied to tap water samples and satisfactory percent recoveries (94-103%) were obtained for the samples spiked at 20 and 30 μg/L. This validated the accuracy and feasibility of the developed method to real samples. The developed method can be described as a simple, efficient, and rapid analytical approach for the accurate determination of trace copper ions in water samples.

Preparation of polyacrylonitrile/polyindole conducting polymer composite and its use for solid phase extraction of copper in a certified reference material

A polyacrylonitrile/polyindole (PAN/PIN) [50, 50] conducting polymer composite was chemically synthesized using FeCl₃ as an oxidizing agent in chloroform solution and nitrogen atmosphere at 10 °C. The formation of the composite was supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphological properties of the composite were investigated by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal properties of the composite were examined by using thermogravimetric analyses. It was found that the composite had good thermal stability. The conducting polymer composite was used for the first time as an adsorbent for solid phase extraction of Cu (II). The optimum pH was found to be 7. The adsorption and elution shaking times were 5 and 15 min, respectively. The elution was done with 5 mL of 2 mol L^-1 HNO₃. The accuracy of the developed method was confirmed by analyzing certified reference material (TMDA-70.2 Lake Water).

Silica Gel‐Immobilized 5‐aminoisophthalohydrazide: A novel sorbent for solid phase extraction of Cu, Zn and Pb from natural water samples

A novel silica sorbent, silica gel‐immobilized 5‐aminoisophthalohydrazide (SiO2‐APH), was prepared by the condensation of 3‐chloropropyl‐functionalized silica gel with 5‐aminoisophthalohydrazide (APH) derived from dimethyl 5‐aminoisophthalate as a starting material and used for separation and preconcentration of Cu, Zn, and Pb metals in water samples using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The characterization of the new sorbent was carried out by Elemental Analysis, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Important analytical parameters including as pH, amount of sorbent, type and amount of eluting solvent, sample volume, vortex and ultrasonic bath time, matrix ions that effect the developed SiO2‐APH‐solid phase extraction (SPE) method were investigated and optimum parameters were detected. Recoveries of examined metals were obtained as 98% for Cu and Pb and 101% for Zn. The relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 8) of Cu, Zn and Pb metals were 3.2, 2.8 and 1.6%, respectively. Limit of detections (LODs) (n = 10) were found as 2.7 μg L−1 for Cu, 7.4 μg L−1 for Zn and 3.5 μg L−1 for Pb μg L−1. The accuracy of the new method was assessed by analyzing of TMDA‐51.4 and TMDA‐70.2 certified reference materials. The results obtained for metals were in a good agreement with certified values. Addition/recovery test was applied to the real well, river, dam and stream water samples to check the accuracy of the method. The results showed that the developed SiO2‐APH‐SPE method can be effectively used as an alternative method for determination of Cu, Zn, and Pb metals in water samples.

Self-assembly of poly(ionic liquid) functionalized mesoporous magnetic microspheres for the solid-phase extraction of preservatives from milk samples

In this work, a novel, rapid, and simple analytical method was proposed for the detection of parabens in milk sample by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. At the same time, milk sample was pretreated by magnetic solid phase extraction, which detected up to five parabens. A series of important parameters of magnetic solid phase extraction were investigated and optimized, such as pH value of loading buffer, amount of material, adsorption time, ionic strength, eluting solvents, and eluting time. Under the optimized conditions, the corresponding values were more than 0.9991, limits of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.1 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. In addition, the recoveries were achieved in range of 95-105%, the liner range were within 0.1-600 ng/mL, and the relative standard deviations were even lower than 5%.

Synthesis of ion-imprinted polymer-decorated SBA-15 as a selective and efficient system for the removal and extraction of Cu(ii) with focus on optimization by response surface methodology

Ion-imprinted polymer-decorated SBA-15 (SBA-15-IIP) for the adsorption of copper was synthesized and characterized using different techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, TG/DTA, SEM, BET, and TEM.

Green construction of Fe3O4@GC submicrocubes for highly sensitive magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction of five phthalate esters in beverages and plastic bottles

A well-designed core-shelled Fe₃O₄@graphitic carbon (Fe₃O₄@GC) submicrocube was in situ constructed in a simple, relatively green and eco-friendly ways basing on one-step pyrolysis of low-cost waste napkins-coated Fe₂O₃ submicrocubes. The Fe₃O₄@GC submicrocubes showed unique architectures where in situ generated thin graphitic carbon layer wrapped on the surface of Fe₃O₄, resulting in excellent affinity to five phthalate esters (PAEs), good reusability and rapid magnetic separation, therefore were employed as magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction material combined with HPLC to simultaneously detect five trace PAEs in beverages and plastic bottles. Under optimized conditions, recoveries (80.0%-112.8%), precision (RSDs ≤ 8.8%), and limits of detection (LODs) for beverages (0.09-0.28 μg L^-1) and plastic bottles (0.01-0.03 μg g^-1) were obtained. This work not only establishes an effective method for simultaneous determination of five PAEs, but also opens up a new strategy to design/construct magnetic graphitic carbon-encapsulated core-shell materials using low-cost/recyclable napkins as carbon source.

Novel controllable hydrophilic thermo-responsive molecularly imprinted resin adsorbent prepared in water for selective recognition of alkaloids by thermal-assisted dispersive solid phase extraction

A novel controllable hydrophilic thermo-responsive molecularly imprinted resin (T-MIR) with a switchable zipper-like architecture was synthesized in the aqueous phase and applied to the selective recognition and extraction of alkaloids by positive temperature regulation. In this synthesis process of T-MIR, 2-acrylamide-2- methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylamide (AAm) were coupled as zipper-like thermo-responsive monomers, resorcinol, and melamine as hydrophilic monomers, formaldehyde as a cross-linker, and berberine chloride (BerbC) as the template. The resulting T-MIR achieved the controlled rebinding and release of BerbC from temperature stimuli (25-45 °C) and the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm (R²>0.99856) and pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R²>0.98138). The highest theory adsorption ability (33.44 mg/g) and recognition ability (imprinting factor: 4.71) of T-MIR was activated between poly(AMPS) and poly(AAm) in the zipper-like architecture at 35 °C. T-MIR was then applied to the selective recognition alkaloids by dispersive solid phase extraction. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the method were less than 0.025 mg/L and 0.082 mg/mL, respectively. The recoveries of the proposed method at three spiked levels were 96.8-100.8%, with a relative standard deviation of less than 4.8%. In contrast to previous thermo-responsive materials, this switchable zipper-like hydrophilic T-MIR with good adsorption, specificity recognition, and excellent temperature controllable properties provides a unique alternative to the selective recognition and controlled rebind-release alkaloids by the temperature signal.