Combination of carbon nanotubes modified filters with microextraction by packed sorbent for the NACE analysis of trace levels of ionic liquids in river water samples.

This paper reports for the first time the use of microextraction by packed sorbents in combination with Capillary electrophoresis (CE) for carry out the preconcentration and determination of three characteristics cations of ionic liquids in river water. Before analysis a carbon nanotubes modified filter was used to remove potential organic interferences from the samples. The system was automated by connecting the syringe-microextraction by packed sorbents (MEPS) assembly to a syringe pump and interfacing it to a computer. After preconcentration, analytes were determined by NACE. The limits of quantification of analytes were of 0.02 mg L(-1) from only 5 mL of sample with an RSD of less than 7%. The values of recovery range between 85 and 97%.