Flow modulation comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with a supersonic molecular beam

Abstract

A new approach of flow modulation comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC × GC–MS) with supersonic molecular beam (SMB) and a quadrupole mass analyzer is presented. Flow modulation uniquely enables GC × GC–MS to be achieved even with the limited scan speed of quadrupole MS, and its 20 ml/min column flow rate is handled, splitless, by the SMB interface. Flow modulation GC × GC–SMB–MS shares all the major benefits of GC × GC and combines them with GC–MS including: (a) increased GC separation capability; (b) improved sensitivity via narrower GC peaks; (c) improved sensitivity through reduced matrix interference and chemical noise; (d) polarity and functional group sample information via the order of elution from the second polar column. In addition, GC × GC–SMB–MS is uniquely characterized by the features of GC–MS with SMB of enhanced and trustworthy molecular ion plus isotope abundance analysis (IAA) for improved sample identification and fast fly-through ion source response time. The combination of flow modulation GC × GC with GC–MS with SMB (supersonic GC–MS) was explored with complex matrices such as diesel fuel analysis and pesticide analysis in agricultural products.