Performance Evaluation of Extraction Coatings with Different Sorbent Particles and Binder Composition

Binders are critical components used in the preparation of a range of extraction devices, including solid-phase microextraction (SPME) devices. While the main role of a binder is to affix the sorbent particles to the selected support, it is critical to select the optimal binder to ensure that it does not negatively impact the coating's particle sorption capability. This work presents the first comprehensive investigation of the interactions between binders and solid sorbent particles as these interactions can significantly impact the performance of the coating. Specifically, the findings presented herein provide a better understanding of the extraction mechanisms of composite coatings and new rules for predicting the particle adhesion forces and binder distribution in the coating. The influence of binder chemistry on coating performance is investigated by examining a selection of the most used binders, namely, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene amorphous fluoroplastics (PTFE AF 2400), and polybenzimidazole (PBI). The solid particles (e.g., hydrophilic–lipophilic balanced (HLB) and C18) used in this work were selected for their ability to provide optimal extraction coverage for a broad range of analytes. The results show that PDMS does not change the properties of the solid particles and that the binder occupies a negligible volume due to shrinking after polymerization, resulting in the solid particles making up most of the coating volume. Hence, the coating sorption characteristics correspond closely to the properties of the selected solid particles. On the other hand, the results also showed that PTFE AF 2400 can interact with the active surface of the sorbent, leading to the deactivation of the sorbent particles. Therefore, the extraction performance and permeability coefficients decrease as the size of the penetrant increases, indicating a rigid porous structure. The results of this study can aid in the optimization of SPME devices as they provide reference values that can be used to determine the optimal binder and the sorbent affinity for the targeted compounds. Finally, the present work also provides the broader scientific community with a strategy for investigating the properties of sorbent particle/binder structures and defines the characteristics of a good coating/membrane by analyzing all parameters such as kinetics, thermodynamic equilibria, and morphology.