3D-Printed Column with Porous Monolithic Packing for Online Solid-Phase Extraction of Multiple Trace Metals in...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Solid phase extraction (SPE) is crucial for sample pretreatment in trace metal analysis.
• Traditional SPE methods can be time-consuming and generate significant waste.
• Advancements in 3D printing offer new possibilities for fabricating customized analytical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate 3D-printed SPE columns for enhanced extraction of multiple metal ions.
• To integrate these columns into an automated flow injection analysis/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system.
• To assess the performance and applicability of 3D-printed SPE for environmental water samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multimaterial three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology with porous composite filaments (Lay-Fomm, Gel-Lay, Lay-Felt).
• Fabricated custom SPE columns for automated flow injection analysis coupled with ICP-MS.
• Optimized column fabrication, extraction conditions, and automated analysis parameters.

Main Results:

• 3D-printed SPE columns achieved near-complete extraction (>99.2%) of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb ions.
• Optimized Lay-Fomm 40 columns demonstrated superior extraction performance.
• Method detection limits ranged from 0.3 to 6.7 ng L⁻¹, validated with reference materials and spiked water samples.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed SPE columns offer a highly efficient and reliable method for multi-metal ion extraction from natural waters.
• The porous composite materials enhance analytical performance, enabling sensitive ICP-MS determination.
• This 3DP approach expands sample preparation options for analytical chemistry and environmental monitoring.