Graphene-dispersive solid-phase extraction of phthalate acid esters from environmental water

Graphene is a novel carbon nanomaterial with an ultra-high specific surface area. In this paper, we explored graphene as adsorbent for efficient enrichment of 15 phthalate acid esters (PAEs) under different water matrixes (ultrapure water, river and sea). A simple and inexpensive method of dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used and acceptable results were provided for most PAEs with overall average recoveries between 71 and 117%. The extraction conditions such as the amount of graphene, the desorption solvent, adsorption time, desorption time and the solution pH were optimized. Finally, the method was applied for the determination of PAEs in environmental water samples including 9 rivers and 2 seas from 7 areas in China.

Graphene-dispersive solid-phase extraction of phthalate acid esters from environmental water.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Graphene-dispersive solid-phase extraction was firstly used in sample preparation.
► The amount of graphene used was only 3 mL (1.5 mg/mL) for enrichment of 15 PAEs.
► The method was applied for 9 river and 2 sea water samples from 7 areas in China.