Improvement of solid-phase microextraction efficiency by the application of a carbon-nanotubes-based ternary microextraction fiber composite.

In this study, a novel technique is proposed for preparation of an efficient and unbreakable metal-wire-supported solid-phase microextraction fiber. A sol-gel film was deposited on electrophoretically deposited carbon nanotubes on a stainless-steel wire. The applicability of the fiber was evaluated through the extraction of some aromatic pollutants as model compounds from the headspace of aqueous samples in combination with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The parameters affecting the structure and extraction efficiency of the fiber (including the type of solvent, time, and potential for electrophoretic deposition) and the parameters affecting the extraction efficiency (such as coating type, salt content, extraction temperature, and time) were investigated. The results showed that the film thickness will be increased by increasing the potential and time duration. Finally, the characterization of the deposited film was accomplished by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. After the optimization of the extraction parameters, the limit of detection of less than 20 pg/mL was achieved, and the calibration curves were all linear (r2  ≥ 0.9737), in the range from 50 to 500 pg/mL. The solid-phase microextraction fiber has a high mechanical strength; good stability and long service life, making it potentially applicable in the extraction of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from aqueous samples.