Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with a Rotating Thermal Desorption Modulator and Independently Temperature-Programmable Columns

Abstract

In comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, two individual separations are coupled by means of a rotating thermal desorption modulator interface. The injection pulse introduced via the interface onto the second column should be as short as possible. Parameters affecting the modulator operation are studied. In the set-up used in this study, the temperature of the second column can be programmed independently from that of the first column. Optimization of the second-dimension separation to minimize peak broadening and maximize resolution is discussed and an elegant approach to determine second-dimension retention times using a non-constant modulation frequency is demonstrated. The high separation power of the comprehensive system is demonstrated by the analysis of technical and biota samples containing chlorinated biphenyls and toxaphene.