Ultrasound-assisted analytical emulsification-extraction

The usefulness of ultrasound (US) for improving steps in analytical chemistry has been widely demonstrated in the past decade. One of the recent applications of US is to facilitate formation of emulsion for dramatic enhancement of the contact between surfaces of two immiscible phases. The effect is to enhance mass transfer between phases (liquid-liquid extraction) in miniaturized systems and to promote leaching of polar and non-polar components (solid-liquid extraction).We discuss potential uses with special emphasis on the achievements and the weak points of the present research.

► An overview of state of the art of ultrasound-assisted emulsification-extraction.
► Ultrasound-assisted emulsification-extraction compared to other separation techniques.
► Negative aspects and trends in ultrasound-assisted emulsification-extraction.