Recent advances in solid phase extraction involving nanomaterials for analytical purpose: A critical view

One of the main objectives for analytical chemists is the accurate and precise determination of target analytes in real samples. Although solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been a traditional and standard approach to achieve this purpose, conventional sorbents often suffer from limited selectivity, poor regeneration capacity, and a narrow sorption range, which restrict their applicability in challenging analytical scenarios. In this context, nanomaterials emerged as promising alternatives because of their tunable composition and structure, functionalizable surface, high specific surface area, and remarkable thermal, chemical, and physical stability. Relevant literature related to their use as sorbents in sample preparation protocols published in 2020–2025 are discussed. The period of last five years has been selected since a marked increase in the development of advanced two-dimensional nanosorbents, hybrid nanocomposites, and novel sustainable approaches has been noted, consolidating previously observed trends in this field. This review focuses on used nanomaterials, extraction methodology, and applications, including target analytes, and real samples. Additionally, an evaluation of key drawbacks derived from the use of nanomaterials such as aggregation tendency, cost-effectiveness for routine applications, and regulatory concerns is addressed. Although the nanomaterials have already demonstrated the potential to overcome limitations of conventional SPE sorbents, their definitive implementation will depend on addressing these unresolved challenges. This work is intended to provide an update on this topic and underscore future research directions that may enable practical implementation of nanomaterials as sorbents. • Data confirms the consolidation of magnetic extraction protocols. • Metal-based NPs are the most applied nanomaterials in SPE. • Nanomaterials are widely used in SPE for environmental and food analysis. • Heavy metals and metalloids are the most analyzed chemical species by SPE. • Potential toxicity, scalability and poor reuse studies limit material applicability.