Selective chemiluminescence detection of sulfur-containing compounds coupled with nitrogen—phosphorus detection for gas chromatography

Abstract

A new sulfur and nitrogen—phosphorus detector for gas chromatography is described. The detector is an integrated thermionic ionization— chemiluminescence device permitting simultaneous detection of sulfur-containing and nitrogen- or phosphorus-containing compounds. This new flameless detector utilizes a heated rubidium-doped ceramic bead in a thermionic ionization chamber to produce sulfur monoxide from sulfur compounds. The SO is mixed with O 3 and the resulting chemiluminescence is monitored with a photomultiplier tube, providing sulfur-selective detection. The thermionic ionization detector signal serves as an independent second response channel, affording simultaneous selective and sensitive nitrogen—phosphorus detection. Two chromatograms are obtained, one in which selectivity is exhibited for nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, and the other for sulfur compounds present in the sample.