Hian Kee Lee

Bio: Hian Kee Lee is an academic researcher from National University of Singapore. The author has contributed to research in topics: Extraction (chemistry) & Solid phase extraction. The author has an hindex of 75, co-authored 403 publications receiving 17618 citations. Previous affiliations of Hian Kee Lee include National Institutes of Health.

Liquid-Phase Microextraction in a Single Drop of Organic Solvent by Using a Conventional Microsyringe

Abstract: Two modes of liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) were developed for capillary gas chromatography. Both methodologies, i.e., static LPME and dynamic LPME, involve the use of very small amounts of organic solvent (<2 μL) in a conventional microsyringe. The performance of the two techniques is demonstrated in the determination of two chlorobenzenes extracted into a single drop of toluene by the use of a 10-μL syringe. Static LPME provided some enrichment (∼12-fold), good reproducibility (9.7%), and simplicity but suffered relatively long extraction time (15 min). Dynamic LPME provided higher (∼27-fold) enrichment within much shorter extraction time (∼3 min), and relatively poorer precision (12.8%), primarily due to repeated manual manipulation. Both methods allow the direct transfer of extracted analytes into a gas chromatograph.

Hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase microextraction of triazine herbicides.

Abstract: A new microextraction technique termed hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) was developed. Triazines were employed as model compounds to assess the extraction procedure and were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Toluene functioned as both the extraction solvent and the impregnation solvent. Some important extraction parameters, such as effect of salt, agitation, pH, and exposure time were optimized. The new method provided good average enrichment factors of >150 for eight analytes, good repeatability (RSDs <3.50%, n = 7), and good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9995) for spiked deionized water samples. The limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.007−0.063 μg/L (S/N = 3) under selected ion monitoring mode. In addition to enrichment, hollow fiber-protected LPME also served as a technique for sample cleanup because of the selectivity of the membrane, which prevented large molecules and extraneous materials, such as humic acids in solution, from being extracted. The utiliz...

Development and application of porous membrane-protected carbon nanotube micro-solid-phase extraction combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A novel, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-supported micro-solid-phase extraction (μ-SPE) procedure has been developed. A 6-mg sample of MWCNTs was packed inside a (2 cm × 1.5 cm) sheet of porous polypropylene membrane whose edges were heat-sealed to secure the contents. The μ-SPE device, which was wetted with dichloromethane, was then placed in a stirred sewage sludge sample solution to extract organophosporous pesticides, used here as model compounds. Tumbling of the extraction device within the sample solution facilitated extraction, and the porous membrane acted as a filter to exclude the extraction of extraneous materials. After extraction, analytes were desorbed in hexane and analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Since the porous membrane afforded protection of the MWCNTs, no further cleanup of the extract was required. The π−π electrostatic interaction with the analytes and the large surface area of MWCNTs facilitated the adsorption of analytes, with good selectivity and reproducib...

Catalysis in ionic liquids

Abstract: 2.5. Stabilization of IL Emulsions by Nanoparticles 2623 3. Hydrogenations in ILs 2623 3.1. Hydrogenation on IL-Stabilized Nanoparticles 2623 3.1.1. Hydrogenation of 1,3-Butadiene 2623 3.1.2. Hydrogenation of Alkenes and Arenes 2624 3.1.3. Hydrogenation of Ketones 2624 3.2. Homogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation in ILs 2624 3.3. Hydrogenation of Functionalized ILs 2625 3.3.1. Selective Hydrogenation of Polymers 2625 3.4. Asymmetric Hydrogenations 2626 3.4.1. Enantioselective Hydrogenation 2626 3.5. Role of the ILs Purity in Hydrogenation Reactions 2628

Micromachining a miniaturized capillary electrophoresis-based chemical analysis system on a chip

Abstract: Micromachining technology was used to prepare chemical analysis systems on glass chips (1 centimeter by 2 centimeters or larger) that utilize electroosmotic pumping to drive fluid flow and electrophoretic separation to distinguish sample components. Capillaries 1 to 10 centimeters long etched in the glass (cross section, 10 micrometers by 30 micrometers) allow for capillary electrophoresis-based separations of amino acids with up to 75,000 theoretical plates in about 15 seconds, and separations of about 600 plates can be effected within 4 seconds. Sample treatment steps within a manifold of intersecting capillaries were demonstrated for a simple sample dilution process. Manipulation of the applied voltages controlled the directions of fluid flow within the manifold. The principles demonstrated in this study can be used to develop a miniaturized system for sample handling and separation with no moving parts.

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), a novel extraction technique for aqueous samples: Theory and principles†

Abstract: The theory and practice of a novel approach for sample enrichment, namely the application of stir bars coated with the sorbent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and referred to as stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) are presented. Stir bars with a length of 10 and 40 mm coated with 55 and 219 μL of PDMS liquid phase, respectively were applied. The 10-mm stir bars are best suited for stirring sample volumes from 10 up to 50 mL whereas 40-mm stir bars are more ideal for sample volumes up to 250 mL. Depending on sample volume and the stirring speed, typical stirring times for equilibration are between 30 and 60 min. The performance of SBSE is illustrated with the analysis of volatile and semivolatile micropollutants from aqueous samples. Detection limits using mass selective detection are in the low ng/L range for a wide selection of analytes from the EPA priority pollutant lists including analytes ranging in volatility from 1,1,1-trichloroethane to chrysene. For the extraction of selected compounds from 200-mL samples, detection limits below 0.1 ng/L are reached in the selected ion monitoring mode. A comparison between SBSE and solid-phase microextraction is made. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 11: 737–747, 1999