As a pre-concentration method with the advantages of simplicity

high efficiency and low consumption

gas phase enrichment techniques(GPE) have become the key factors for various atomic spectrometers to enhance analytical sensitivity and eliminate matrix interference for the purpose of instrumental miniaturization and on-site analysis.Samples have to be converted into gaseous analytes for the sample introduction of GPE by means of hydride generation

ultraviolet vapor generation and electrothermal vaporization

then the elements for measurement are trapped or released with materials like quartz

carbon and metal

etc.

of which the trapping or releasing approaches are also the crucial factors for GPE

such as cold trapping

alloy trapping

thermal trapping and dielectric barrier discharge

etc.Hereon

the development progresses of GPE in atomic spectrometry are discussed

including the sample introduction

trapping materials and trapping or releasing approaches.Furthermore

the prospectives for research and application of GPE techniques are proposed as well.