Abstract
Flow analysis changed significantly the way of performing chemical analysis by (i) mechanization of analytical procedures in a continuous flowing stream with minimal sample intercontamination; (ii) analytical measurements without attaining chemical equilibria, thus increasing the applicability of kinetic methods and allowing the exploitation of non-quantitative processes; (iii) exploitation of concentration gradients and (iv) use of unstable reagents or measurement of unstable products. Flow-based procedures are generally characterized by high sample throughput, improved precision, minimized waste generation, and often better selectivity. The performance of detection systems is usually improved because of the in-line sample conditioning and measurements under reproductive dynamic conditions and timing. However, after achieving several innovations, perspectives for further developments have been questioned mainly because of the recent decrease in the number of publications on flow analysis. The aim of this review is then to discuss the impact of flow-based methods on chemical analysis, emphasizing recent applications and developments, including miniaturization, bioanalysis, microextractions, green analytical chemistry and synergic hyphenation with other techniques and processes. The author's personal view about research perspectives in the field is also presented.
Highlights
Flow analysis is a versatile approach for automation in analytical chemistry, which has undergone amazing development during the last decades
The impact of flow analysis on the way chemical analysis is currently performed is not arguable, mainly in relation to exploitation on non-quantitative processes and unusual chemical reactions. These approaches are advantageous in relation to selectivity, precision, sample throughput, as well as minimization of reagent consumption and waste generation
Numerical indicators have demonstrated the decrease of the number of published articles in recent years and one should not expect that this panorama will be significantly modified, unless other research groups start to act in the field
Summary
Flow analysis is a versatile approach for automation in analytical chemistry, which has undergone amazing development during the last decades. In this process, the sample is either continuously pumped or processed as a discrete aliquot inserted into a carrier stream. Recent innovations and the author’s personal view about research perspectives in the field are presented
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