Membrane in tandem with a helical sorbent trap as continuous sampling technique of the polyvinyl chloride thermo-oxidative degradation products for their on-line gas chromatographic monitoring

A flat membrane in tandem with a helical sorbent trap has been used for continuous sampling of the volatile organic products generated in the thermal degradation process of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in air, followed by on-line gas chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric identification. The membrane and trap tandem makes automatic collection, concentration, and injection of PVC volatile and semivolatile degradation products, and it is simple in terms of instrumentation and operation. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membrane used in this study shows a low permeation for oxygenated derivatives and a high permeation for volatile aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Consequently, the final chromatogram is significantly simplified. By heating the trap at fixed intervals of time, consecutive gas chromatograms are obtained in the monitoring process. The sensitivity of the method depends on the parameters that affect the time of trapping, and the permeation through the membrane.     

Membrane extraction with sorbent interface-gas chromatography as an effective and fast means for continuous monitoring of thermal degradation products of polyacrylonitrile

A novel sample preparation technique, membrane extraction with a sorbent interface (MESI) has been optimized and used for continuous monitoring thermal degradation products in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer headspace at different temperatures, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MESI with a flat sheet poly(dimethyl siloxane)-polycarbonate (PDMS-PC) membrane and Tenax trap was used. The system is very simple, fast and reliable and allowed us to extract, enrich and continuously monitor major volatile compounds released from the polymer at different temperatures. The volatile and semi-volatile gaseous degradation products were identified. Sensitivity of the method depends on the length of time for trapping.     

Low‐temperature headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of trace volatile compounds from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L.

The total saccharides content of Lycium barbarum L. is very high, and a high temperature would result in saccharide decomposition and the emergence of a large amount of water. Moreover, the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. are rather low in concentration. Hence, it is difficult for a conventional headspace method to study the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. Since headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry is an excellent method for trace analysis, a headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method based on low‐temperature (30°C) enrichment and multiple headspace extraction was developed to explore the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. The headspace of the sample was extracted in 17 cycles at 30°C. Each time, the compounds extracted were concentrated in the trap (Tenax TA and Tenax GR, 1:1). Finally, all the volatile compounds were delivered into the gas chromatograph after thermal desorption. With the method described above, a total of 57 compounds were identified. The identification was completed by mass spectral search, retention index, and accurate mass measurement.     

Combination of a Mid-infrared Hollow Waveguide Gas Sensor with a Supported Capillary Membrane Sampler for the Detection of Organic Compounds in Water

A Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy based gas sensor for continuous analysis of liquid phase samples has been developed, coupling a short hollow waveguide (HWG) gas cell with a supported capillary membrane sampler (SCMS) probe. Passing an inert carrier gas through the thin-walled tubular silicon membrane enables the permeation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in aqueous solution and facilitates their continuous and quantitative detection in the infrared hollow fiber by multiple internal reflection spectroscopy. The sensitivity of the sensor system has been determined at the ppb (μg/L) concentration level and the response time ranges from few minutes to 30 min, depending on the analyte and the permeation properties of the sampling membrane.

The experimental set-up consists of Bruker Vector 22 FT-IR spectrometer with an externally aligned 50 cm long silica HWG coupled to the SCMS, which is immersed into a glass flask filled with analyte solution and kept under constant stirring.

Aqueous solutions of benzene, toluene, xylene isomers and chloroform were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed confirming the feasibility of this sensor approach for environmental analysis.     

Development and application of liquid and gas-chromatographic speciation techniques with element specific (ICP-MS) detection to the study of anaerobic arsenic metabolism

Following the observation of volatile hydride and methylated arsenic species in the gases released from sewage treatment facilities and municipal landfills, we have developed a method for investigating the production of such gases by an anaerobic organism. Here we report the application of high performance ion chromatography (HPIC), hydride generation gas chromatography (HG-GC), and purge and trap gas chromatography (PT-GC), coupled with inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to study the formation of ionic and volatile arsenic compounds produced in a batch culture of the anaerobic methanogen Methanobacterium formicicum. In this time course experiment we observed arsenite, mono- and dimethylated arsenic acid, arsine, mono-, di- and trimethylarsine, as well as a currently unknown volatile arsenic species.     

吹扫捕集-气相色谱法测定海水中苯、甲苯、乙苯和二甲苯的生物降解

苯、甲苯、乙苯和二甲苯(简称BTEX)等单环芳烃是石油的重要组分。在油气地球化学勘查领域,BTEX是油气藏信息的直接指示物。BTEX具有挥发性,并且可以受到微生物的降解作用,直接影响到BTEX含量的准确测量。本研究建立了动态顶空(吹扫捕集)和光离子化检测器(PID)的气相色谱测量海水基样品中BTEX的生物降解方法。苯、甲苯、乙苯、对间二甲苯及邻二甲苯的检出限分别为7.3、8.1、11.4、8.3、13.2ng/L;1μg/L海水样品中BTEX回收率为92.84%~100.92%。样品无需预处理。BTEX生物降解规律对海洋油气地球化学勘探中所涉及的样品采集、运输、保存、测量及结果分析具有重要指导意义。     

Depolymerization of xylan-derived products in an enzymatic membrane reactor

Rice husks were subjected to aqueous processing to obtain liquors containing xylan-derived products, which were assayed for composition. Liquors were diafiltered using 1 kDa ceramic membrane for purification purposes, and the retentate was concentrated using the same membrane. The molecular weight distribution of xylan-derived products in concentrated liquors was assayed by gel permeation chromatography. In order to achieve the one-step conversion of soluble, high molecular weight xylan-derived products into low molecular weight arabino-xylooligosaccharides (AXOS) and the recovery of low molecular weight AXOS, concentrated liquors were treated in a continuous enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) with a commercial endoxylanase (Shearzyme 2X). Two operational modes were studied: in the first one, both enzymatic reaction and membrane operation began at the same time, whereas in the second case, permeation started when the reaction achieved a given conversion. Both operational modes are compared in terms of productivity.     

Development and application of liquid and gas-chromatographic speciation techniques with element specific (ICP-MS) detection to the study of anaerobic arsenic metabolism

Following the observation of volatile hydride and methylated arsenic species in the gases released from sewage treatment facilities and municipal landfills, we have developed a method for investigating the production of such gases by an anaerobic organism. Here we report the application of high performance ion chromatography (HPIC), hydride generation gas chromatography (HG-GC), and purge and trap gas chromatography (PT-GC), coupled with inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to study the formation of ionic and volatile arsenic compounds produced in a batch culture of the anaerobic methanogen Methanobacterium formicicum. In this time course experiment we observed arsenite, mono- and dimethylated arsenic acid, arsine, mono-, di- and trimethylarsine, as well as a currently unknown volatile arsenic species. Received: 5 March 1998 / Revised: 22 June 1998 / Accepted: 26 June 1998     

Utilization of thermodesorption coupled to GC-MS to study stability of different wood species to thermodegradation

Thermodesorption coupled to gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (TD-GC-MS) has been investigated to identify volatile degradation products generated during wood heat treatment by mild pyrolysis. For this purpose, wood samples of different softwood and hardwood species have been heat treated under nitrogen for different temperatures comprised between 180 and 230 °C during 15 min in the glass thermal desorption tube of the thermodesorber and the volatile wood degradation products trapped. The trapped products were then thermodesorbed and analysed by GC-MS. Chromatograms of the different samples indicated the formation of different products resulting from degradation of lignin and hemicelluloses. Hardwoods were shown to be more sensitive to thermodegradation than softwoods, for which degradation products appear at slightly higher temperature. The important formation of acetic acid is concomitant with the formation of most of degradation products and at the origin of the difference of reactivity observed between softwoods and hardwoods.     

Automatic system for rapid analysis of volatile compounds by purge-and-cold-trapping/capillary gas chromatography

A system for automatic analysis of volatile compounds by purge-and-cold-trapping/capillary gas chromatography is described. It is suitable for analysis of volatile compounds in a wide variety of samples, such as water, food products and environmental samples. Possibilities and limitations of the system are evaluated in relation to several parameters. The efficiency of different types of cryogenic trap (open tubular, coated, packed) is also investigated; it depends on purge-flow rate, temperature of trapping, and total purge volume. Examples of the analysis of volatile compounds in foods and water are given.     

Coupling Pervaporation-Gas Chromatography for Speciation of Volatile Forms of Selenium in Sediments

Abstract

A method for speciation of dimethylselenide (DMeSe), dimethyldiselenide (DMeDSe) and diethylselenide (DEtSe) in sediments based on a coupling between a pervaporation module, a preconcentration sorptive trap and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer is reported. The coupling is performed through a high pressure injection valve which allows two different operational modes: (a) analysis without preconcentration, in which analytes are directly driven from the pervaporation chamber to the injection port of the chromatograph, and (b) analysis with preconcentration in a trap, in which the analytes from the pervaporation chamber are first trapped on a Tenax minicolumn and then thermally desorbed and driven to the GC. This second approach improves the sensitivity compared to the direct coupling, reaching estimated absolute detection limits lower than 0.6 ng Se for each tested species. The method is applied to the determination of volatile organic selenium species in several sediments collected from different areas in the Southwest of Spain.     

Thermal decomposition products of a chlorinated aromatic polyamide

Products from the thermal decomposition of a chlorinated aromatic polyamide fabric are described for conditions of pyrolysis and flaming and nonflaming oxidative degradation. Volatile degradation products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the condensible fraction, by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and MS. Nonvolatile char was characterized by IR and elemental analysis. Twenty-one compounds were identified as volatile products from pyrolysis at 550°C; the condensible material contained ammonium chloride and at least 22 organic compounds. From volatile compounds produced in flaming oxidative degradation 21 compounds were identified, of which CO, CO₂, and H₂O were prominent. Nonflaming oxidative degradation at 400 and 550°C produced 11 and 21 volatile identifiable compounds, respectively, and results from experiments at the higher temperature compared favorably with results from the flaming experiments. By comparison of data from this work with those from unchlorinated analogs (described in an earlier article), it is concluded that the incorporation of chlorine into the polymeric structure lowers the temperature for the onset of thermal degradation and alters the type and concentration of thermolytic products. The major degradation products can be explained by a mechanism similar to that proposed for aromatic polyamides with the exception of the formation of substantial amounts of ammonium chloride. It is proposed that the latter is formed by an initial acid-catalyzed hydrolysis reaction which is followed by deammoniation or by an intermolecular process that involves an isoimide intermediate.     

Synthesis of poly(ether ether ketone) containing sodium sulfonate groups as gas dehumidification membrane material

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) containing sodium sulfonate groups can be prepared directly from sodium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate and 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone. This method is more advantageous than sulfonation of PEEK, avoiding possible degradation and crosslinking. The polymer shows high permeability of water vapor and high selectivity of permeation of water vapor versus nitrogen and can be used as gas dehumidification membrane material.     

TMSP—PMDSP共聚物膜的氧,氮透过性

研究了三甲基硅丙炔(TMSP) 和五甲基二硅丙炔(PMDSP) 的共聚物膜对O_2、N_2气体的透过行为。发现 TMSP-PMDSP共聚物膜对O_2、N_2气体的透过活化能为负值,透过系数随温度升高而下降;受热历程不同,气体在膜中的透过行为也不相同。膜两侧气体压差不同时,气体在膜中的透过系数亦发生变化。用氟化物HFBM对共聚物膜表面进行了化学改性,改性膜的P_(O_2)/PN_2值达到3.52。     

Derivatization of organophosphorus nerve agent degradation products for gas chromatography with ICPMS and TOF-MS detection

Separation and detection of seven V-type (venomous) and G-type (German) organophosphorus nerve agent degradation products by gas chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC–ICPMS) is described. The nonvolatile alkyl phosphonic acid degradation products of interest included ethyl methylphosphonic acid (EMPA, VX acid), isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA, GB acid), ethyl hydrogen dimethylamidophosphate sodium salt (EDPA, GA acid), isobutyl hydrogen methylphosphonate (IBMPA, RVX acid), as well as pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMPA), methylphosphonic acid (MPA), and cyclohexyl methylphosphonic acid (CMPA, GF acid). N-(tert-Butyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluroacetamide with 1% TBDMSCl was utilized to form the volatile TBDMS derivatives of the nerve agent degradation products for separation by GC. Exact mass confirmation of the formation of six of the TBDMS derivatives was obtained by GC–time of flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). The method developed here allowed for the separation and detection of all seven TBDMS derivatives as well as phosphate in less than ten minutes. Detection limits for the developed method were less than 5 pg with retention times and peak area precisions of less than 0.01 and 6%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to river water and soil matrices. To date this is the first work describing the analysis of chemical warfare agent (CWA) degradation products by GC–ICPMS. Figure Illustrated here are six parent organophosphorus nerve agents corresponding to the degradation products analyzed by gas chromatography with ICPMS and ToF-MS detection. The authors would like to thank Daisy-Malloy Hamburg and Kevin M. Kubachka for creating this figure     

Characterization of SAPO-34 membranes by water adsorption

The effects of humidity on gas permeation were studied for five SAPO-34 membranes with different fractions of permeation through non-SAPO pores. Membranes with high CO₂/CH₄ separation selectivities (>20) were stable in humidified gases, but degradation was seen for some membranes after months of exposure to the laboratory atmosphere. Once the membranes started to degrade, the rate of degradation appeared to accelerate. The degradation created non-SAPO pores that were larger than the SAPO-34 pores, as indicated by i-C₄H₁₀ permeance, CO₂/CH₄ selectivity, and CO₂ flux dependence on pressure. The effect of humidity on gas permeance correlated with these indicators of non-SAPO pores. Adsorbed water appeared to completely block the SAPO pores, but permeation through non-SAPO pores increased with humidity. Therefore, water adsorption can be used to determine membrane quality and the fraction of transport through non-SAPO pores.     

Thermal volatilization analysis: A new method for the characterization of polymers and the study of polymer degradation

In a continuously evacuated system in which volatile products are passing from a heated sample to the cold surface of a trap some distance away, a small pressure will develop which varies with the rate of volatilization of the sample. If this pressure (measured by Pirani gage) is recorded as the sample temperature is increased in a linear manner, a TVA thermogram showing one or more peaks is obtained. TVA thermograms for a number of polymers and copolymers are presented and briefly discussed. The technique has some advantages over TGA for characterizing polymers or studying qualitative aspects of polymer degradation.     

Thermal degradation study of intumescent flame retardants by TG and FTIR: Melamine phosphate and its mixture with pentaerythritol

Thermal degradation of intumescent flame retardants, such as melamine phosphate (MP) and the mixture of MP and pentaerythritol (PER) was studied by TG, FTIR gas analyser (G-FTIR), and FTIR spectrometry. The results indicate that the degradation behavior of MP or PER itself is different from the one of them in the mixture. The volatile degradation products of MP contain mainly NH₃, and H₂O, as well as small amounts of melamine (MEL), whereas no MEL is found in the degradation of the mixture of MP and PER. Moreover, degradation products of PER are composed of a lot of volatile combustibles such as formaldehydes, alcohols, and C–H compounds except for H₂O. The mixture of MP and PER, however, produces much less volatile combustibles during its degradation leading to the production of more charring materials.     

Magnetic nanoparticles used in headspace extraction coupled with DSI-GC-IT/MS for analysis of VOCs in dry Traditional Chinese Medicine

A novel magnetic method using polystyrene modified magnetic nanoparticles to perform thermoheadspace extraction was successfully developed for extraction and preconcentration of volatile organic components in dry Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) based on gas chromatography-ion trap/mass spectrometry with a Chromato Probe direct sample introduction device. The dried fruit of Amomum testaceum Ridl. was used as the object TCM. The optimum parameters of headspace magnetic solid-phase extraction were investigated, in which desorption solvent ethyl acetate played a key role in this method,and the headspace extraction temperature of 90℃ and the headspace extraction time of 15 min finally decided. Headspace solid-phase microextraction method was also used to analyze volatile compounds in the TCM to compare with the proposed method. The results show that 60 components were identified totally by two methods; most of the low boiling point chemical compounds are isolated by this new method. In this work, an environmental-friendly and cheap analytical method was established, and a new approach to analyze volatile compounds in dry Traditional Chinese Medicine was also provided.