An inexpensive, effective, and efficient dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) sorbent was developed as an alternative to traditionally used sorbents (primary secondary amine and C18) for fatty matrices using the QuEChERS method. Catalytic chemical vapor deposition grown carbon nanofibers dispersed on activated carbon fibers (Ni-ACF/CNF) having a BET specific surface area of 738 (m2/g) were for the first time evaluated as a DSPE material for sample cleanup before gas chromatographic analysis. Based on cleanup performance and recoveries, 10 mg of Ni-ACF/CNF was found optimal for the determination of twenty-seven multi-class pesticides in high fat and low water commodities/matrices (peanut, soybean, sesame, and flaxseed). The recoveries obtained for all analytes were in the range ~ 72 to ~ 117%, with relative standard deviation values ≤ 15%. The limits of detection and quantification values were 0.7-4.2 ng/g and 2.3-13.9 ng/g, respectively. The matrix match calibration curve was linear in the range 20-500 ng/g with a correlation coefficient of ≥ 0.993. The results reveal that the Ni-ACF/CNF is a competent DSPE sorbent, similar to primary secondary amines and C18 sorbent materials, for pesticide determination by QuEChERS methods in high fat and low water commodities. Graphical abstract.
Keywords: Amine and C18 sorbents; Carbon nanofiber; Catalytic chemical vapor deposition; Dispersive solid-phase extraction; Pesticide; QuEChERS; Sample cleanup.