A nitrogen-enriched graphene nanomaterial (GN3) for energy storage in supercapacitors, developed by researchers at the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) of Palacký University Olomouc, has been included in the European Commission’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://innovation-radar.ec.europa.eu/innovation/66621">Innovation Radar database as a technology with strong commercial potential</a>. The material has been assessed as highly market-ready, with significant potential to create new markets. Palacký University, which coordinated the prestigious European Innovation Council project TRANS2DCHEM, has also been recognised among the project’s key innovators.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Grafenovy_material_z_Olomouce_se_dostal_mezi_perspektivni_evropske_inovace_0d2a178219.jpg" alt="CATRIN: Graphene nanomaterial developed in Olomouc recognised among Europe’s most promising innovations" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Grafenovy_material_z_Olomouce_se_dostal_mezi_perspektivni_evropske_inovace_0d2a178219.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="480" height="480">Innovation Radar is a European platform that identifies promising innovations and key innovators emerging from research and innovation projects funded by the European Union.“This is a great honour and recognition of our work. The excellent assessment within the Innovation Radar platform demonstrates the potential of CATRIN—and of Palacký University as a whole—to transform scientific discoveries into products with strong commercial potential. Recognition by independent experts highlights the technology’s high level of market readiness, which is exceptional even in the context of other outstanding projects supported by the European Innovation Council,” said Jiří Navrátil, Technology Transfer Coordinator at CATRIN.The nitrogen-enriched graphene electrode material, based on graphene—a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms—was developed by researchers in Olomouc seven years ago. It originated from Michal Otyepka’s prestigious European Research Council project focused on the 2D chemistry of fluorographene.In the following years, researchers demonstrated the material’s significant potential for electrical energy storage, particularly in supercapacitors, which represent a promising alternative to today’s widely used lithium-ion batteries. Development of prototype supercapacitors with unique properties began under the prestigious European Innovation Council project TRANS2DCHEM, in collaboration with partners from Bar-Ilan University in Israel and the Italian company ITELCOND. The next logical step was the establishment of the spin-off company Atomiver, which has been operating since 2024.“The continuous growth in global energy consumption and the rapid expansion of electronic devices are driving strong demand for high-performance, stable energy storage components. Our electrode material is unique because it pushes the current limits of commercially available technologies, particularly in terms of volumetric energy density—the amount of electrical energy that can be stored within a given volume. Compared with existing technologies, our material enables several-fold higher energy density. Its inclusion in the Innovation Radar database encourages us to continue developing the technology and bring it closer to commercial production,” said Michal Otyepka, one of the inventors of the technology and co-owner of the spin-out company.The material is protected by several international patents, which have been licensed by Atomiver from Palacký University.“Supercapacitors incorporating our graphene material could one day help ensure the safe operation of large data centres, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, transport systems, grid-scale energy storage, electronics for space applications and implantable medical devices,” added Veronika Šedajová, one of the inventors of the technology.The significance of the technology was previously recognised when Atomiver was selected for the NATO DIANA accelerator programme, one of only 74 companies chosen from more than 2,600 applicants. The company has also received support from CzechInvest through its Technology Incubation programme.“We are currently in intensive discussions with investors, who have shown strong interest in the technology, not least because the electrode material we have developed also has considerable potential for applications in other industries,” said Andrew Hladký, Director of Atomiver.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://innovation-radar.ec.europa.eu/innovation/66621">Innovation Radar</a> serves as a platform for investors, entrepreneurs and the wider public to discover emerging technologies.

Graphene nanomaterial developed in Olomouc recognised among Europe’s most promising innovations

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) has emerged as a transformative technique in analytical chemistry. While one-dimensional <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.phenomenex.com/gas-chromatography">gas chromatography</a> (1D-GC) provides effective separation for simpler mixtures, it often struggles with highly complex samples where hundreds to thousands of compounds may be present. In environmental, petrochemical, biological, and food-related analyses, hundreds to thousands of compounds may be present, many of which co-elute in one-dimensional systems. This limits the ability of 1D-GC to fully resolve such mixtures.To address these limitations, GC×GC introduces an additional dimension of separation. It combines complementary (ideally orthogonal) separation mechanisms with advanced modulation processes, thereby expanding the chromatographic separation space. This enables the resolution of compounds that would otherwise remain co-eluted or undetectable. As a result, GC×GC offers enhanced peak capacity, improved selectivity, and improved detectability through the signal-focusing effects of modulation. Readers new to the subject may benefit from first reviewing the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.phenomenex.com/resources/knowledge-center/gc-knowledge-center/basic-principles-of-gas-chromatography-separation-and-analysis">principles of gas chromatography</a>, which provide the foundation for understanding multidimensional methods such as GC×GC.The technique has gained increasing importance over the past two decades in fields such as environmental monitoring, petroleum refining, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.phenomenex.com/resources/knowledge-center/gc-knowledge-center/role-gas-chromatography-forensics">forensic toxicology</a>, metabolomics, and food science. Its ability to detect trace compounds and group-related analytes makes it invaluable for both research and industry.This article explores what GC×GC is, how it works, its advantages and applications, the challenges faced, and future innovations. Whether you are an analytical scientist, a laboratory professional, or someone seeking to understand advanced separation science, GC×GC demonstrates why 2D gas chromatography (2D-GC) is considered a true game-changer.<h3>What is Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC×GC)?</h3>Two-Dimensional gas chromatography is an advanced analytical technique that separates complex mixtures using two columns with different stationary phases. Unlike 1D-GC, which relies on a single separation mechanism, GC×GC applies two complementary, often orthogonal, mechanisms in sequence, drastically improving resolution.In 1D-GC, compounds that share similar chemical properties often co-elute, making it difficult to identify or quantify them accurately. GC×GC resolves this by employing a primary column, typically non-polar, followed by a secondary column, usually polar or semi-polar. A modulator periodically collects and re-injects fractions from the first column into the second, ensuring comprehensive analysis. By integrating two separation dimensions, 2D gas chromatography boosts peak capacity, enabling clearer resolution and identification of hundreds to thousands of compounds, depending on the sample matrix.The primary goal of GC×GC is to maximize separation efficiency while maintaining sensitivity. Its advantages include increased peak capacity, reduced overlap, and structured chromatograms, where similar compounds group together. This structured output simplifies interpretation and enhances the reliability of results.GC×GC is not just an incremental improvement over 1D-GC but a significant leap in analyte separation. GC×GC is a cornerstone technique in modern analytical laboratories for the resolution of highly complex samples such as crude oil fractions or biological fluids. By expanding both separation space and sensitivity, GC×GC provides clearer insights into mixtures once thought unresolvable. Proper setup and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/article/5541">gas chromatography column installation</a> are critical to ensuring reproducibility and maximizing the benefits of two-dimensional separations.<h3>Principle and Working Mechanism of GC×GC</h3>The principle of GC×GC chromatography lies in orthogonality, which employs two different separation mechanisms to enhance resolution. In the first dimension, compounds are typically separated by volatility in the first dimension (non-polar column), followed by polarity or another property in the second dimension (polar or semi-polar column). In the second dimension, a column with a contrasting phase provides additional separation based on different chemical properties.At the heart of the process is the modulator. Thermal modulators are most common and work by trapping effluent from the first column in a cryogenic or heated zone, then releasing it in sharp, timed pulses into the second column. This ensures narrow injection bands, which improve peak capacity and resolution.The combined effect is a marked increase in separation space. Instead of a simple one-dimensional chromatogram, GC×GC produces a two-dimensional plane where peaks are distributed across retention times from both columns. Data visualization typically uses contour plots or color-coded maps, which allow easy identification of compound groups.GC×GC analysis also enhances detectability due to peak compression, making trace analytes more prominent. The result is a powerful technique that captures both the breadth and depth of chemical diversity within a sample. This dual-dimension approach underpins GC×GC’s reputation as a breakthrough in chromatographic science.<h3>Key Advantages of GC×GC</h3>Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography provides several important advantages that make it an essential technique for analyzing complex mixtures across diverse research areas.<ol><li>Improved peak capacity and resolution: By combining two orthogonal separations, GC×GC significantly increases the number of compounds that can be resolved compared to 1D-GC. This enhanced separation is especially useful in petrochemicals and environmental samples, where pollutants often overlap in simpler chromatograms.</li><li>Enhanced separation of complex mixtures: 2D gas chromatography easily separates hundreds or thousands of analytes from a complex mixture. Its structured separation allows co-eluting compounds to be clearly distinguished that would otherwise remain unresolved in 1D-GC.</li><li>Improved detectability of trace compounds due to modulation-induced peak focusing: The modulation process compresses analyte peaks, leading to sharper signals and improved signal-to-noise ratios. This makes it possible to detect trace-level compounds, which is critical in applications such as environmental pollution monitoring or biomarker discovery in biological samples.</li><li>Structured chromatograms for compound grouping: GC×GC produces organized chromatograms where chemically similar compounds cluster into recognizable patterns. For example, hydrocarbons align in diagonal bands, simplifying pattern recognition and aiding identification.</li></ol>Together, these advantages help transform GC×GC chromatographic analysis from a linear process into a comprehensive two-dimensional mapping of chemical diversity, providing insights that were previously inaccessible.<h3>Common Applications of GC×GC</h3>Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography has become an essential tool across many industries for the analysis of highly complex compounds. Its wide range of applications demonstrates its capabilities beyond those of 1D-GC methods.<h4>Environmental analysis</h4>GC×GC is widely used to monitor pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air, soil, and water. Its enhanced separation capacity allows for reliable detection of trace contaminants even in highly complex environmental matrices.<h4>Petrochemical and fuel analysis</h4>In petroleum refining and petrochemical industries, GC×GC plays a key role in characterizing crude oil fractions, fuels, and lubricants. It provides detailed hydrocarbon fingerprints, helping optimize refining processes and assess product quality.<h4>Food and flavor profiling</h4>Food chemistry benefits from GC×GC in profiling flavors, aromas, and contaminants. For instance, it can distinguish subtle differences in coffee volatiles or detect adulterants in essential oils.<h4>Forensic and toxicology screening</h4>In forensic science, GC×GC helps identify drugs, explosives, and poisons from complex biological and environmental samples. Its high sensitivity is particularly valuable for toxicology screenings where minute concentrations must be quantified.<h4>Metabolomics and biological samples</h4>GC×GC enables comprehensive profiling of metabolites in biological fluids and tissues. Its ability to reveal biomarker patterns supports research in personalized medicine, disease diagnostics, and systems biology.<h3>Challenges and Limitations of GC×GC</h3>Despite its remarkable capabilities, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography presents several challenges that can limit its widespread use.<ul><li>One major barrier is instrumentation cost. GC×GC systems are considerably more expensive than conventional one-dimensional GC setups, as they require advanced modulators, specialized detectors, and robust temperature control. This makes adoption difficult for smaller laboratories with limited budgets.</li><li>Another issue is technical complexity. The method demands precise control of operating parameters such as flow rates, temperature programming, and modulation timing. Small variations can affect reproducibility, meaning that highly trained personnel are essential for reliable operation.</li><li>Data analysis represents a further challenge. The large two-dimensional datasets generated by GC×GC require sophisticated software tools for visualization and interpretation. Without advanced contour plotting and peak-processing capabilities, researchers may struggle to extract meaningful insights.</li><li>While GC×GC improves separation, unambiguous structural isomer identification often requires hyphenation with mass spectrometry (GC×GC–MS). While GC×GC effectively separates complex mixtures, distinguishing structural isomers often requires coupling with detectors such as mass spectrometry (GC×GC–MS). In addition, sample preparation can be labor-intensive, particularly with biological or environmental samples that need cleanup to prevent interferences.</li></ul>Although these hurdles exist, improvements in software, automation, and instrument design are steadily reducing these limitations, paving the way for broader adoption of GC×GC across industries.<h3>Future Trends and Innovations in GC×GC</h3>The field of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography is advancing rapidly, with several innovations shaping its future role in analytical science. These developments aim to make the technique more powerful, user-friendly, and accessible to a broader range of laboratories.One promising direction is the rise of miniaturized and portable GC×GC systems, which bring advanced separation capabilities to field settings such as environmental monitoring or on-site forensic testing. At the same time, integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is enabling more precise compound identification, particularly for complex isomeric mixtures.Another key trend is automation in data analysis. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is simplifying the interpretation of large, multidimensional datasets, reducing the need for extensive manual processing. Enhanced modulators are also being developed, improving sensitivity, minimizing sample loss, and ensuring robust performance across varied applications.In addition, there is a growing emphasis on green analytical chemistry. Efforts to lower energy consumption, reduce solvent use, and create more sustainable workflows are aligning GC×GC with environmentally responsible laboratory practices.Finally, broader clinical applications are emerging for 2D-GC, from breathomics to biomarker discovery in precision medicine. Collectively, these innovations indicate that GC×GC is evolving from a niche technique into a widely adopted analytical platform with significant scientific and industrial impact.

Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography

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