Carbon nanotubes applications in separation science: A review

Due to the intensive and multidisciplinary research carried out during the last two decades on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the scientific community understands nowadays much better the chemistry, structure and properties of these interesting materials. In fact, they have found their particular place in a wide number of application fields (nanotechnology, electronics, optics, medicine, etc.) among which Analytical Chemistry is becoming more and more important. The aim of this review is to provide an updated report of the most recent manuscripts (years 2009–2011) regarding the use of CNTs in Separation Science. In particular, the use of CNTs as solid-phase extraction and microextraction sorbents, as part of membranes as well as their use in chromatography and electrophoresis will be discussed and commented. Besides, although not as fully related to Separation Science as the previous techniques, the use of CNTs as laser desorption/ionization substrates has also been considered because of its importance in the field.

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► The use of CNTs in Separation Science in the period 2009–2011 is reviewed.
► CNTs as stationary phases in LC, CE and GC.
► CNTs as pseudostationary phases in EKC.
► CNTs as sorbents in SPE and SPME.
► Other uses of CNTs in separation science, as LDI substrates or in membranes.