Polyurethane foams and microspheres in analytical chemistry : Improved liquid-solid, gas-solid and liquid-liquid contact via a new geometry of the solid phase

Abstract

This review covers the following aspects: the preparation and properties of polyurethane foams and of open-pore polyurethane microspheres; the use of unloaded polyurethane foams for the separation and enrichment of inorganic and organic species in aqueous solution, and for the collection of pesticide vapours in air; and the application of polyurethane foams with physically immobilized reagents (hydrophobie reagents such as organic extractants and chelating agents, heterogeneous ion-exchange foams and inorganic precipitates). Polyurethane foams with anchored functional groups and specially treated polyurethane foams are then discussed. Finally the use of open-pore polyurethane microspheres in gas-solid chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and low pressure liquid chromatography is outlined.