CO2 Reduction Gas Products Analysis Using the Agilent 990 Micro GC

Importance of the Topic

Atmospheric CO2 levels have risen dramatically from 280 ppm in 1750 to over 385 ppm today and are projected to near 500 ppm by 2050. This trend drives global warming and spurs the development of carbon recycling methods. Converting CO2 into small hydrocarbons such as CO, methane, ethane, and ethene offers a sustainable route to reduce greenhouse gas levels while producing fuels and chemicals.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates the use of the Agilent 990 Micro GC to analyze gaseous products from CO2 reduction processes. The study aims to assess instrument performance, quantify key reduction products, and support catalyst evaluation and process control.

Methodology

The analysis employed two separate column channels:

• Channel 1: 10 m Agilent CP-Molsieve 5Å with a 5 m precolumn and backflush for H2, CH4, and CO separation
• Channel 2: 10 m Agilent CP-PoraPLOT U for CH4, CO2, C2H4, and C2H6 separation

Carrier gas helium was used in both channels. Typical operating conditions included injector temperatures of 60 °C and 50 °C, column temperatures of 60 °C and 40 °C, pressures of 180 kPa and 100 kPa, and injection times of 100 ms and 20 ms for channels 1 and 2, respectively.

Used Instrumentation

Agilent 990 Micro GC system equipped with:

• CP-Molsieve 5Å column with retention time stability and backflush option
• CP-PoraPLOT U column
• Helium carrier gas supply and temperature controlled injector modules

Main Results and Discussion

Rapid baseline chromatographic separation was achieved in under 2.5 minutes for H2, CH4, and CO on the Molsieve channel, and under 2 minutes for CH4, CO2, C2H4, and C2H6 on the PoraPLOT channel. Ten consecutive runs of calibration gas (comprising known concentrations of H2, CH4, CO, CO2, C2H4, and C2H6) yielded retention time RSDs below 1% and peak area RSDs below 3% for all analytes, demonstrating high repeatability and quantitation precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Agilent 990 Micro GC offers rapid, reliable analysis of CO2 reduction products, supporting catalyst screening, reaction optimization, and real-time process monitoring. Its compact design and fast cycle times are well suited to both research laboratories and industrial pilot-scale systems.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in micro GC technology, column chemistry, and detection methods will further enhance sensitivity and speed. Integration with automated sampling and data analytics can expand applications in carbon capture and utilization research, renewable energy processes, and on-site emissions monitoring.

Conclusion

The study confirms that the Agilent 990 Micro GC delivers robust performance for CO2 reduction gas analysis, combining fast separations with excellent repeatability. This platform is a powerful tool for advancing sustainable conversion of CO2 into value-added products.

References

• van Loon R Permanent Gas Analysis Separation of Helium Neon and Hydrogen on MolSieve 5A column using the Agilent 490 Micro GC Agilent Technologies application note 5990-8527EN 2011
• van Loon R C1–C3 Hydrocarbon Analysis Using the Agilent 490 Micro GC Separation Characteristics for PoraPLOT U and PoraPLOT Q Columns Agilent Technologies application note 5990-9165EN 2011