Dottorato in SCIENZE CHIMICHE

Titolo della tesi: Solutions for green sample preparation methods

In many cases, especially when the analysis of complex matrices is involved, the sample preparation is a critical step in determining the quality and reliability of the whole analytical process, as well as its impact on both the operator’s health and the environment. This thesis has taken up the challenges raised by the Green Chemistry principles. In particular, it focused on the research of new sorbent materials and new solvents specifically designed for realizing a safer and more environmentally friendly sample preparation. This has implied the selection of starting materials and transformation processes characterized by low toxicity and mild conditions, respectively. A further issue has involved the application of the final products, with their own physico-chemical properties, in a workable and efficient way, in order to fulfill the analytical requirements. The thesis is organized in three main sections: the first one is a brief introduction on the Green Analytical Chemistry principles and metrics, and the current research lines on the topic. The second section presents the state of the art of new materials and techniques for the sample preparation devoted to the analysis of particularly demanding analytes, such as vitamins. The third section describes the experimental work conducted to pursue the project; it is divided in two subsections addressing the two main fields of sample preparation: the liquid phase and the solid phase extraction. Each subsection, which collects published and unpublished works, begins with a presentation of the idea behind the research and a backstage describing the encountered difficulties and how they were solved.