Evaluation of gel permeation chromatography to Fourier transform infrared spectrometric detection using a modified thermospray for analysis of polystyrene samples

A heated gas flow modified thermospray was used to couple gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) for the analysis of the standard polystyrene samples. Effluents from the GPC column were evaporated and the solutes were deposited as a series of spots on the surface of a moving stainless steel belt (0.025 mm thickness × 13 mm width). The belt continuously transferred the spots into the diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) accessory of the FTIR spectrometer, enabling identification of the deposited solutes by measurement of the diffuse reflectance IR spectrum. The IR spectra of the separated components showed excellent agreement of the spectral features to those of standard FTIR spectra and no thermal degradation was observed.