Recent applications of graphene and graphene-based materials as sorbents in trace analysis

Abstract Solid phase extraction for sample pretreatment offers many advantages, including short processing time, rapid separation, high enrichment efficiency and recovery rate, no emulsion formation, low cost, low solvent consumption as well as the ability to be coupled with different advanced detection techniques. However, the desirable characteristics of the solid phase extraction methods cannot be materialized unless a proper sorbent is used. The remarkable properties of graphene and graphene-based materials, particularly their ultra-large specific surface area and delocalized π-electron system, enhance their potential as efficient sorbents in solid phase extraction. This paper reviews the developments in the applications of graphene and novel graphene-based materials as sorbents in conventional solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, dispersive solid-phase extraction, pipette tip solid-phase extraction, and magnetic solid-phase extraction in the past 10 years. In addition, existing challenges and possible future developments in the applications of graphene and graphene-based materials as sorbents are discussed.