Optimal Separation of PAH Compounds including Chrysene & Triphenylene using Zebron™ ZB-PAH-SeleCT GC column

Significance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known carcinogens widely regulated in environmental and food matrices. Effective chromatographic separation, particularly of structurally similar isomers such as Chrysene and Triphenylene, is critical to accurate quantitation, avoiding false positives and ensuring compliance with legislation.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study explores the selectivity performance of the Zebron ZB-PAH-SeleCT gas chromatography column for the separation of the EU 15+1 PAH mix and the addition of Triphenylene. The goals include resolving challenging isomer pairs, comparing performance with the Zebron ZB-PAH-EU and a popular commercial GC column, and assessing analysis speed and sensitivity.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The separation was performed by GC-MS using selective ion monitoring. Key method parameters included:

• Columns evaluated: Zebron ZB-PAH-SeleCT (40 m x 0.18 mm x 0.14 µm and 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.20 µm), Zebron ZB-PAH-EU (30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.20 µm), and a competitor 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.15 µm column
• Injection: split ratios 30:1 to 5:1, temperature 320–330 °C
• Carrier gas: helium at constant pressure (23.7–78 psi)
• Oven program: initial hold at 45 °C, ramping to 320 °C at varying rates, total run times 20–50 minutes
• Detection: mass spectrometry with SIM mode, ions m/z 216 to 302

Used Instrumentation

• Gas chromatograph: Shimadzu 2010 GC
• Mass spectrometer: Shimadzu GC-MS-QP2010 Ultra
• Recommended liner: Zebron PLUS Single Taper Z-Liner

Main Results and Discussion

The ZB-PAH-SeleCT column achieved baseline separation of Chrysene and Triphenylene with a resolution factor of 2.6 on the 40 m column. A selectivity shift improved elution order for certain PAH pairs compared to the ZB-PAH-EU phase. When compared to the competitor column on a 30 m dimension, the ZB-PAH-SeleCT column delivered 27 percent faster analysis time, enhanced sensitivity for late-eluting heavy PAHs, and superior resolution of critical isomers.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reliable separation reduces risk of coelution and false positives in regulatory analyses
• Accelerated run times enhance laboratory throughput
• Improved sensitivity supports detection of trace-level PAHs in complex matrices

Future Trends and Opportunities

Anticipated developments include further refinement of selective stationary phases, application in multidimensional GC techniques, coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry, and adaptation for real-time environmental monitoring. Green analytical approaches may drive innovations in faster, lower-energy separations.

Conclusion

The Zebron ZB-PAH-SeleCT column demonstrates exceptional selectivity for resolving challenging PAH isomers, notably Chrysene and Triphenylene, while offering improved sensitivity and quicker analysis compared to established phases. This makes it a valuable tool for regulatory, industrial, and research laboratories performing PAH analyses.

References

No external literature references were provided in the original document.