In-groove carbon nanotubes device for SPME of aromatic hydrocarbons

A new solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibre using carbon nanotubes as fibre coating incorporated into a groove of a stainless steel rod is suggested. It is mechanically stable and exhibits relatively high thermal stability (up to 280 degrees C). The coating showed especially good extraction efficiency for aromatic hydrocarbons. The extraction properties of the fibre to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and o-xylene were examined using both direct and headspace SPME modes coupled to gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency (extraction temperature and time, salt addition, desorption temperature and time) were investigated and quality parameters were measured under the optimized conditions. For both headspace and direct SPME the calibration graphs were linear up to 100 mg L-1 (R-2 > 0.996) and detection limits ranged from 0.09 to 0.39 mu g L-1. The repeatabilities were 5.9-13.3%. The proposed coating was applied for aromatic hydrocarbons determination in petrol station waste waters.