Selective separation of elements from complex solution matrix with molecular recognition plus macrocycles attached to a solid-phase: A review

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) approach was introduced approximately five decades ago, and until then development of SPE materials is seamlessly continued. Lately, the SPE-based research is increasingly focused in developing more explicit materials to achieve meticulous separation of elements from complex solution matrices with high concentrations of interfering ions. One group of SPE materials includes those with macrocyclic ligands immobilized on a solid-phase, which are capable of selective separation and pre-concentration of elements, and such selectivity in metal retention is generally termed as molecular recognition. In the process, the designed 'host' material possesses a high degree of recognition to specific elements or groups of elements called 'guest', and the recognition capability remains effective at the very low concentrations of the 'guest' species or when those present in complex matrices. The routes to the development of element-selective SPEs, the operating principles, applications and limitations are discussed in this review.