Sponge-nested polymer monoliths: Versatile materials for the solid-phase extraction of bisphenols

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Polymer monoliths are advantageous for sample preparation due to porosity, pH stability, and ease of fabrication.
• Melamine-formaldehyde foams serve as effective supports for creating robust silica and polymer monoliths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate sponge-nested divinylbenzene polymer monoliths for sample preparation.
• To assess the extraction performance for endocrine-disrupting bisphenols from aqueous solutions.
• To investigate the impact of different extraction modes and monolith reshaping on efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Divinylbenzene monoliths were prepared using a 50:50 crosslinker/porogen ratio and nested within melamine-formaldehyde sponges.
• Extraction efficiency was compared across vortex mixing, magnetic stirring, and orbital shaking.
• Monolith robustness was tested by reshaping larger cubes into smaller pieces to assess extraction enhancement.

Main Results:

• Sponge-nested monoliths exhibited a surface area exceeding 400 m²/g.
• Vortex mixing achieved comparable bisphenol recovery (39%-81%) in a significantly shorter time (30 min vs. 2 h).
• Reshaping monoliths increased extraction efficiency by 16%-21% due to enhanced contact area.

Conclusions:

• Sponge-nested polymer monoliths are robust and versatile materials for efficient sample preparation.
• Vortex mixing is an effective extraction mode for these monoliths, offering rapid bisphenol recovery.
• The ability to reshape monoliths further improves analyte extraction capacity, highlighting their adaptability.