News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 19, 2026
LabRulez: News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 19, 2026
Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 4th May 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!
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This week we bring you application note by Shimadzu, presentation by MDCW / JEOL and technical note by Thermo Fisher Scientific!
1. MDCW / JEOL: Flow-Modulated GCxGC-QMS Analysis Without Splitting Off the GC Flow
- Presentation
- Full PDF for download
This presentation by Kirk Jensen (JEOL USA) explores the feasibility of performing flow-modulated comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) without splitting the GC flow, which is traditionally required to protect MS systems from high carrier gas flows. The core concept builds on GC×GC, where compounds are separated using a primary and secondary column connected via a modulator, significantly increasing separation power compared to one-dimensional GC. The presentation contrasts thermal modulation (offering sharper peaks and higher theoretical sensitivity but requiring cryogenic cooling) with flow modulation, which avoids cryogens, handles volatile analytes well, and is more flexible, but typically demands higher gas flows that standard MS systems cannot tolerate .
To address this limitation, the study utilizes the JEOL JMS-Q1600GC UltraQuad quadrupole GC-MS system, which can accept unusually high carrier gas flows (up to ~20 mL/min), enabling direct coupling with a SepSolve INSIGHT flow modulator without splitting the effluent . The analytical setup includes dual GC columns (e.g., Zebron ZB-5MSplus for the first dimension and BPX50 for the second), high secondary flow rates (~25 mL/min), and electron ionization (EI) MS detection. Additional system components include optional FID detection, bleed line control, and ChromeSpace software for data processing . This configuration allows full analyte transfer into the MS, eliminating the need for flow splitting and potentially improving detection efficiency.
Experimental results demonstrate the applicability of this approach to complex mixtures, including a pesticide mixture containing over 200 compounds and real-world samples such as perfumes and fuels. The GC×GC-MS system produced detailed two-dimensional chromatograms with high spectral quality, enabling the correct identification of approximately 120 compounds despite relatively moderate spectral match factors . Comparisons at different flow rates (e.g., 25 vs. 50 mL/min) showed that spectral integrity and compound identification remain robust, indicating that higher flow operation does not significantly compromise MS performance.
In conclusion, the work demonstrates that flow-modulated GC×GC-QMS without flow splitting is feasible, provided that the MS system can tolerate high carrier gas flows. While further optimization is needed (e.g., column selection, inlet pressure, and separation conditions), the approach offers a practical alternative to thermal modulation by eliminating cryogens and simplifying operation. Future work will focus on improving sensitivity, optimizing separations, and exploring alternative carrier gases such as hydrogen to reduce costs and expand applicability
2. Shimadzu: Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis by Nexis GC-2030 Using ASTM D6730
- Application note
- Full PDF for download
User Benefits
- Detailed compositional analysis of gasoline in accordance with ASTM D6730 is feasible using the Nexis GC-2030.
- By employing PONAsolution, a PONA/DHA analysis software, laborious identification tasks can be reduced, and quantitation calculations and report generation can be performed automatically.
ASTM D6730 specifies the analysis of hydrocarbons in gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) over a boiling point range up to 225 ̊C. Identification and quantification of individual compounds in gasoline are critically important for refinery process control and product quality assurance. In this application news, we report compositional analysis of gasoline conforming to ASTM D6730 using the Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph. Gasoline typically comprises over 100 hydrocarbons, making identification tasks highly complex; however, PONAsolution, a PONA/DHA analysissoftware,simplifies this process.
PONAsolution
PONAsolution Ver.6 provides retention index libraries for each relevant standard (ASTM D6730, D6729, D5134, D6733). Identification of n-alkanes automatically corrects the retention times of the remaining several hundred components, thus streamlining the identification process. When only a specific retention region requires adjustment, the two-point identification function is useful (Fig. 1). In the two-point identification procedure, reference and sample chromatograms are compared while assigning corresponding peaks. First, click on an identified component mark in the reference data (Fig. 1, a), then click the matching sample peak (Fig. 1, b). Repeat this for a second pair of peaks. The retention times of components between these two anchor points are then automatically corrected.
Conclusion
Compositional analysis of gasoline in accordance with ASTM D6730 was performed. The combination of SH PONA Tuning Column and SH-1 PONA main column enabled separation of compounds with closely spaced retention times. Moreover, use of PONAsolution software greatly simplifies complex identification tasks.
3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Fiber optic probes add flexibility to Raman chemical analysis
- Technical note
- Full PDF for download
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy are non-destructive analytical techniques that rely on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with molecular vibrations to provide information about the chemical composition and structure of a sample. Despite their similarities, there are some distinct differences between the two techniques. In principle, FTIR is based on the absorption of infrared radiation by molecules and measures changes in dipole moment during molecular vibrations. Raman spectroscopy, on the other hand, is based on the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light and measures changes in polarizability during molecular vibrations.
When applied to bulk chemical analysis, both FTIR and Raman spectroscopy can be used to analyze solids, liquids, and gases, but the nature of Raman spectroscopy lends some unique sampling advantages. Additionally, Raman often requires little to no sample preparation. Presented herein are application examples that highlight some of the sampling advantages of Raman spectroscopy. All the spectral data in this technical note were collected using a Thermo Scientific™ DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer equipped with a fiber optic probe. (Fiber optics are readily available for Raman spectroscopy because of the use of visible and NIR light and do not require the exotic materials associated with FTIR fiber optics.) Preliminary tests for all samples were carried out using both 532 nm and 785 nm excitations, and it was determined that the 785 nm laser set gave an overall better balance between fluorescence and Raman scattering efficiency.
Summary
In this technical note, the analyses of a variety of samples by Raman spectroscopy are demonstrated. All samples were analyzed without sample preparation.
- Precise and localized analysis at the focal point of the Raman-exciting laser allows sampling through glass bottles, blister packaging and plastic containers, which eliminates possible cross contamination and analyst exposure to hazardous materials. The contributions from the packaging and containers depend on the type of container material, the container thickness, and the materials’ chemical compositional complexity, but these contributions can be readily subtracted out when needed.
- Water is a weak Raman scatterer. Raman therefore has reduced water sensitivity, making it a preferred technique for aqueous solution analysis over FTIR. As demonstrated in the analysis of an energy drink, the Raman bands from water can be subtracted from the spectrum of the aqueous solution, leading to the identification of the components of the solution.
- Raman spectroscopy is well suited for the analysis of inorganic materials, especially in identifying the crystal phases and polymorphs, as demonstrated by the analyses of minerals and pigments in a painting.
- Fiber optic probes provide flexibility and ease of maneuverability. This is particularly advantageous when analyzing samples that are difficult to access or manipulate, such as large containers, geological samples and paintings
The DXR3 Flex has multiple sampling options available. A properly configured fiber-optic probe is arguably the most versatile accessory for the analysis of bulk solids and liquids. The advantages, both from those inherent to Raman spectroscopy and those resulting from the use of fiber optic probe, provide opportunities for a wide variety of different applications when using the DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer.
