Diminishing the Gap Between GC-Selective and Universal Detection by Capped Pd Nanoparticles

A simple Pd²⁺ ligand exchanger was prepared and applied for isolation of aromatic heterocyclic sulfur compounds (S-PAHs) from petroleum condensate oil. The ligand exhibited excellent isolation efficiency and selectivity towards S-PAHs. The chromatograms of pre-isolated S-PAHs recorded by universal flame ionization (FID) and mass spectrum (MS) detections are similar to selective sulfur atomic emission detector chromatograms, indicated from traces or absence of hydrocarbons in FID and MS chromatograms. Nitrogen adsorption, electronic microscope, and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to confirm the formation of capped Pd²⁺ nanoparticle dispersion within the silica framework. The results obtained revealed that Pd²⁺ ions exist as dispersed capped nanoparticles sized between 69 and 79 nm that can be rationalized for their enhanced isolation selectivity towards the S-PAH fraction of petroleum condensate oil.