Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography of volatile and semi-volatile components using a diaphragm valve-based instrument

Abstract

A high-temperature configuration for a diaphragm valve-based gas chromatography (GC×GC) instrument is demonstrated. GC×GC is a powerful instrumental tool often used to analyze complex mixtures. Previously, the temperature limitations of valve-based GC×GC instruments were set by the maximum operating temperature of the valve, typically 175 °C. Thus, valve-based GC×GC was constrained to the analysis of mainly volatile components; however, many complex mixtures contain semi-volatile components as well. A new configuration is described that extends the working temperature range of diaphragm valve-based GC×GC instruments to significantly higher temperatures, so both volatile and semi-volatile compounds can be readily separated. In the current investigation, separations at temperatures up to 250 °C are demonstrated. This new design features both chromatographic columns in the same oven with the valve interfacing the two columns mounted in the side of the oven wall so the valve is both partially inside as well as outside the oven. The diaphragm and the sample ports in the valve are located inside the oven while the temperature-restrictive portion of the valve (containing the O-rings) is outside the oven. Temperature measurements on the surface of the valve indicate that even after a sustained oven temperature of 240 °C, the portions of the valve directly involved with the sampling from the first column to the second column track the oven temperature to within 1.2% while the portions of the valve that are temperature-restrictive remain well below the maximum temperature of 175 °C. A 26-component mixture of alkanes, ketones, and alcohols whose boiling points range from 65 °C ( n-hexane) to 270 °C ( n-pentadecane) is used to test the new design. Peak shapes along the first column axis suggest that sample condensation or carry-over in the valve is not a problem. Chemometric data analysis is performed to demonstrate that the resulting data have a bilinear structure. After over 6 months of use and temperature conditions up to 265 °C, no deterioration of the valve or its performance has been observed.