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Simple, Quantitative Headspace Analysis by Cryoadsorption on a Short Alumina PLOT Column

Published

Author(s)

Thomas J. Bruno

Abstract

The use of purge and trap methods for sampling volatile organic compounds prior to chromatographic analysis is a mature technology.  Application to low volatility compounds has been far less facile and sensitive.  Especially problematic has been applications that require precise quantitative analysis and analyses as a function of sample temperature.  In this paper we have applied short lengths of alumina coated PLOT columns as purge traps, and operate the traps at low temperqture during the collection cycles to improve efficiency, in a method called cryoadsorption.  We have applied the method as a function of temperature to a medium volatility solid, coumarin, as a demonstration, with further application to the pure explosive compound 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, TNT, and the practical explosive C-4.  The uncertainty and potential sensitivity is discussed as well.
Citation
Journal of Chromatographic Science
Volume
47

Keywords

Adsorbent, C-4, coumarin, cryotrap, head space, purge and trap, TNT

Citation

Bruno, T. (2009), Simple, Quantitative Headspace Analysis by Cryoadsorption on a Short Alumina PLOT Column, Journal of Chromatographic Science, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=832252 (Accessed April 19, 2024)
Created August 1, 2009, Updated February 19, 2017