Graphene-based nanocomposites in analytical extraction processes

Abstract

Since its discovery in 2004, substantial efforts have been devoted to the use of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) in areas such as catalysis, clean energy devices, electronics, biomedicine and, particularly, as sorbents in sample preparation for both trace organic and inorganic analysis. In a step forward, in the last few years, a number of applications have arisen where the properties of graphene and GO as sorbents are enhanced by providing additional features, i.e. functionalisation for improving selectivity and sorption ability, magnetisation to facilitate and accelerate stages inherent to some extraction modes or greater stability by synthesis of novel nanocomposites so that it can be adapted to some (micro)extraction techniques. In this review, the latest innovations on graphene and GO platforms used for sorption, either by introducing new functionalities or by hybridisation with other nanomaterials (nanocomposites) are reviewed, along with their preparation methods, analytical characteristics, applications and future prospects.