Ferrofluids-based microextraction systems to process organic and inorganic targets: The state-of-the-art advances and applications

The advancement of smart materials has substantially affected the sample preparation techniques. Recently, different smart materials like carbon-based materials, magnetic nanoparticles, and ferrofluids have been used to separate analytes from different matrices. Among these, ferrofluids have attracted considerable attention due to their liquidity and magnetic controllability, facilitating their recovery during the extraction process. Ferrofluids are dispersions of magnetic powders in a carrier liquid with a great magnetic response. Ferrofluid can be moved with the help of positioning and strength of a mag-netic field. So, the fluid can be positioned at the desired point very precisely. This review offers a comprehensive discussion of the modern trends in ferrofluid-based microextraction techniques from the introduction of ferrofluids as an extractant (2010) to 2020. Also, the challenges faced by each method have been investigated. This review details the essential factors in the synthesis of ferrofluids. Finally, the challenges and outlooks of ferrofluids are outlined. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The advancement of smart materials, like ferrofluids, has greatly impacted sample preparation techniques. Ferrofluids, being liquid and magnetically controllable, have attracted attention for their role in separating analytes and facilitating recovery. While ferrofluid-based microextraction techniques offer precise positioning and recovery benefits, challenges and future prospects are also present.