Agilent HydroInert source for GC/MS with hydrogen carrier gas

Significance of the topic

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) traditionally relies on helium as the carrier gas to achieve high-resolution separations and accurate detection. Ongoing helium shortages and escalating costs threaten the continuity and affordability of analytical operations. Hydrogen presents a renewable, low-cost alternative but its chemical reactivity can compromise analyses of sensitive compounds. The Agilent HydroInert source offers a solution to unlock the benefits of hydrogen for broader GC/MS applications.

Objectives and study overview

This study assesses the performance of the Agilent HydroInert ion source under hydrogen carrier gas conditions. Key aims include demonstrating improved chromatographic efficiency, preserving spectral integrity for semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and quantifying operational and cost advantages over conventional helium-based workflows.

Methodology

Nitrobenzene was analyzed on an Agilent GC/MS using both a conventional electron ionization (EI) source and the HydroInert source. Hydrogen served as the carrier gas in all experiments. Extracted ion chromatograms (EICs) were compared to evaluate ion ratios, sensitivity, spectral artifacts, and run-time performance under identical settings.

Instrumentation

• Agilent GC/MS system equipped with HydroInert ion source
• High-purity hydrogen generator or cylinders
• Capillary column optimized for SVOC analysis

Main results and discussion

• The HydroInert source reduced hydrogen-induced conversion of nitrobenzene to aniline, improving the m/z 123 to m/z 93 ion ratio.
• Run times were shortened by approximately 5% without loss of chromatographic resolution, enhancing sample throughput.
• Sensitivity decline and spectral anomalies typical of hydrogen carriers were minimized, yielding data quality on par with helium.

Benefits and practical applications

• Operating costs for carrier gas decreased by over 70%, delivering significant annual savings.
• Ion source cleaning frequency dropped from 12 to 1 per year, reducing downtime and labor expenses.
• Lower energy and gas consumption supports green laboratory initiatives and sustainable practices.

Future trends and potential applications

Further advancements in ion source technology, smart pneumatic controls, and direct column heating will expand the compatibility of hydrogen carriers with diverse analytes. Integration of automated gas management and predictive maintenance tools is expected to drive widespread adoption in environmental, forensic, and industrial laboratories seeking cost-effective, resilient GC/MS solutions.

Conclusion

The Agilent HydroInert source enables robust GC/MS analyses with hydrogen carrier gas, addressing helium supply challenges while maintaining sensitivity, speed, and spectral fidelity. This innovation delivers substantial cost savings and sustainability benefits, setting a new standard for resilient laboratory operations.