Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) plays a critical role in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, where solvent purity directly impacts performance, safety, and lifetime. Even trace-level impurities can contribute to degradation of solid electrolyte interfaces, consumption of lithium ions, or gas formation—effects that compromise both efficiency and safety.As battery materials continue to evolve, analytical approaches must provide both high sensitivity and high-confidence identification. A recent LECO application study demonstrates how combining two GC-MS platforms enables a more complete characterization of DMC impurities than either approach alone.<h3>Why Impurity Characterization in DMC Is Challenging</h3>Battery-grade solvents demand detection of contaminants across a wide concentration range, starting from major byproducts to trace-level species. In DMC, impurities may include oxygenated compounds, hydrocarbons, and nitriles, many of which arise from synthesis or handling processes.These compounds can co-elute or exist at levels below typical detection thresholds, making comprehensive analysis difficult with a single analytical technique. In addition, electron ionization (EI) spectra do not always provide a clear molecular ion, complicating compound confirmation.<h3>A Complementary Analytical Strategy: Sensitivity + Confidence</h3>The application note demonstrates a combined workflow using the approach:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1097">Pegasus BTX (GC-TOFMS)</a>&nbsp;for high-sensitivity detection</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/38">Pegasus HRT (high-resolution GC-MS)</a>&nbsp;for accurate mass confirmation</li></ul>The Pegasus BTX enables detection of impurities at below parts-per-billion levels, ensuring that even low-abundance analytes are captured.Following detection, the Pegasus HRT provides high-resolution, accurate mass data in both EI and positive chemical ionization (PCI) modes. PCI is particularly valuable when EI spectra lack a clear molecular ion, allowing confirmation through common adduct species such as protonated molecular ions [M+H]⁺.Because both ionization modes can be accessed without hardware changes, the workflow supports efficient, multi-dimensional confirmation of analyte identity.<h3>Observations</h3>Using this combined approach, multiple classes of impurities were identified in the DMC sample. These included:<ul><li>Oxygenated reaction byproducts</li><li>Alcohols, carbonates, and ethers</li><li>Hydrocarbons and aromatic species</li><li>Additional low-level analytes detected with high library match scores</li></ul>Importantly, the high sensitivity of the Pegasus BTX revealed a broader set of low-concentration compounds, while the Pegasus HRT increased confidence in compound identification through accurate mass measurements and confirmation of molecular formulas. &nbsp;The study also highlights cases where co-eluting compounds were successfully deconvoluted, allowing individual components to be identified even without complete chromatographic separation.<h3>Why This Matters for Battery Materials Analysis</h3>This work illustrates a key principle for advanced materials characterization: detection and identification are distinct challenges that often require complementary solutions.<ul><li>Detection alone&nbsp;is insufficient without confident identification</li><li>High-resolution confirmation&nbsp;is limited if low-level species are not first detected</li></ul>By combining these capabilities, laboratories can gain deeper insight into solvent purity, production processes, and potential performance risks in battery systems.<h3>Explore the Complete Study</h3>This short overview highlights only a portion of the findings. The full application note provides:<ul><li>Detailed acquisition parameters and workflows</li><li>Chromatographic and spectral data examples</li><li>Confirmed impurity lists with retention times and similarity scores</li><li>Examples demonstrating EI/PCI complementarity and accurate mass confirmation</li></ul>To better understand how complementary GC-MS techniques can improve confidence in battery solvent analysis, download the full application note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/203-821-731/">“Battery Solvent Characterization: Identifying Impurities in Dimethyl Carbonate”.</a>

 Confident Identification of Battery Solvent Impurities Using Complementary GC-MS Techniques

The international standard ISO/IEC 17025 [1] clause 7.7.2 with regards to ensuring the validity of results, requires a laboratory to participate in proficiency testing (PT) and/or to participate in interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) other than PT. However, no guidance as to what these other ILCs might be, or indeed how they might compare in relation to PT, is provided. This leaflet aims to outline other ILCs available, pointing out some of the limitations as compared to PT.&nbsp;There are three major types of ILCs in which a group of laboratories analyses identical portions from a homogeneous, stable test sample, with each type being characterized by its intended purpose [2,3]:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_2_d9263807fb.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_2_d9263807fb.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1507" height="607">A key point is that PT is an ILC that is designed to specifically evaluate the performance of participants, providing them with an infrastructure to monitor and assess the validity of their results. This is not the key purpose of the two other ILCs, and thus depending on their intended purpose they have a number of limitations that laboratories need to be aware of when using them rather than PT. Only proficiency testing should have been conducted in full compliance to the competency standard ISO/IEC 17043 [4].&nbsp;<h4>Evaluation of measurement procedure performance&nbsp;</h4>These ILCs, are designed to assess how a particular measurement procedure performs and whether it is fit for its intended purpose. These ILCs are often referred to as a ‘method performance study’ or a ‘collaborative study’ [2]. Some limitations of using such ILCs for monitoring laboratory performance as an alternative to PT are:&nbsp;<ul><li>All participants use the same measurement procedure i.e. the measurement procedure that is being validated. Unless the measurement procedure is being routinely used by the participating laboratory such an ILC will not assess the routine performance of the laboratory using their own routine measurement procedure. Nor does it enable them to compare their performance with other laboratories using alternative measurement procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>The measurement procedure is likely to be new, so participants may not have established stable procedures and quality control, so performance may not reflect routine use.&nbsp;</li><li>The report from such an ILC would not provide information on the performance of the participant, if the statistical model used makes the assumption that all laboratories perform with equal variability.</li><li>The design of the study may require the participants to assess multiple samples and/or to undertake multiple replicate analysis on the test materials. This may not be representative of the routine measurements or tests undertaken by the laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>The conclusion of the ILC might be that the measurement procedure being assessed is not valid.&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_3_a53ecd2f5d.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_3_a53ecd2f5d.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="570" height="566"><h4>Characterisation of candidate reference materials&nbsp;</h4>These are ILCs that assign a property value to a candidate reference material, usually with a stated measurement uncertainty. These are often referred to as a ‘material certification study’ [2]. Limitations of using such ILCs as an alternative to PT are:&nbsp;<ul><li>The analysis of the candidate reference material is likely to require additional care in exercising the routine measurement procedure, such as substantially more replication, and/or may require quite different reporting formats (e.g. all valid replicates instead of a mean result). Thus, such an ILC will not necessarily provide an evaluation of the performance of the laboratory based on the routine use of their measurement procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>The report from such an ILC may include the results from the participating laboratories but would not provide information on the performance of each laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>Participating laboratories may be required to assess multiple samples and/or to undertake multiple replicate analysis on the candidate reference materials. Thus this may not be representative of the routine measurements or tests undertaken by the laboratory.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Other ILCs&nbsp;</h4>Some other ILCs, whilst not being conducted in full compliance of the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043, may be designed to evaluate participant performance. These would include small ILCs as defined by EA‑2/21 [5] or split sample ILCs i.e. where a portion of a single sample is sent to two or three laboratories. Whilst these ILCs are specifically designed to evaluate participant performance, they may not provide a comprehensive comparison that a PT might provide. In such cases the laboratory needs to evaluate carefully the competence of the organization managing the ILC and the suitability of the service externally provided (ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.6).

Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing

RI Calibration in NIST26 Chromatogram and Applying to Calculating RI in Samples

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Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

My main interest is the identification of organic compounds by mass spectrometry in organic mixtures.

James Little/Mass Spec Interpretation Services

Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection

Start your analysis with confidence using SureSTART vials, caps, well plates, and kits—offering full compatibility, quality materials, and performance across three levels.

<h4>Streamlined choice. Trusted quality.</h4>Start your analysis with confidence using Thermo Scientific™ SureSTART™ vials, caps, inserts, well plates, mats, and certified kits designed to meet your analytical, regulatory, and performance requirements. With full instrument compatibility, high material quality, and consistent performance across three defined levels, the SureSTART collection offers a smarter way to choose the right sample containment solution for your workflow.<h3>Why choose SureSTART?</h3><ul><li>Proven reliability: Every product is manufactured and certified to meet physical specifications—no weak links in your workflow.</li><li>Clear selection: Three performance levels help you balance sensitivity, robustness, and cost, now visually marked with one, two, or three waves on the vial.</li><li>Universal compatibility: Designed for seamless integration with all major GC, HPLC/UHPLC, and MS autosamplers across all vendors.</li><li>Certified cleanliness: Products are manufactured using the purest glass and plastics with low extractables and leachables, including GOLD-grade and silanized glass.</li><li>Maximum sample integrity: Minimize analyte loss and background peaks with precision-engineered sealing, surface chemistry, and material composition.</li><li>Bulk savings &amp; simplified inventory: Available in multiple pack sizes, performance levels, and formats to support your lab’s needs and budget.</li></ul><h3>The Three Performance Levels</h3><ul><li>Level 1 – Everyday analysis: For general-purpose GC/HPLC detection (e.g. UV/Vis, FID, RI). These chromatography-approved products are ideal for routine analyses with cost-efficiency in mind.</li><li>Level 2 – High-throughput analysis: Designed for regulated labs requiring robust and reproducible data, especially when using MS detectors for routine quantification.</li><li>Level 3 – High performance: For the most sensitive and selective analyses near the method detection limit. Packed in cleanroom environments and made with ultra-pure materials for maximum sample security and MS compatibility.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_5a8b0da936.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: Three performance levels help you balance sensitivity, robustness, and cost, now visually marked with one, two, or three waves on the vial." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_5a8b0da936.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1182" height="270"><h3>SureSTART Certified Vial and Cap Kits</h3><ul><li>Specification Certified: Routine analyses – Certified for physical specifications; no individual certificate.</li><li>LC/GC Certified: Chromatography-grade – Tested for 15 physical parameters with LC-UV &amp; GC-FID; certificate included.</li><li>MSCERT: For LC-MS/GC-MS – Certified low-adsorption kits tested with MS; includes SureStop™ vials with AVCS™ caps.</li><li>MSCERT+: For trace-level MS or DIA – Pre-cleaned, tested with LC-MS/GC-MS, and sold only as kits to ensure purity.</li><li>Application Certified: Pre-matched kits for specific instruments or validated applications.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_2_fef6049d71.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: There are several factors to consider when choosing a vial or well plate for your application. The table below will help guide you through this process to determine what type of product/performance level is most suitable for your application requirements." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_2_fef6049d71.jpg 204w," sizes="100vw" width="1515" height="1159"><h3>SureSTART Well Plates and Mats</h3>Thermo Scientific™ WebSeal™ well plates are ideal for laboratories seeking to increase autosampler capacity, reduce solvent usage, and streamline high-throughput workflows. Available in 96- and 384-well formats, they offer a certified alternative to traditional vials and are fully compatible with automated SPE/SLE platforms.<ul><li>Space-saving efficiency: Replace vials with well plates to increase sample capacity up to 8× and reduce storage footprint.</li><li>Flexible performance levels:<ul><li>Level 1: Standard plates for routine, non-regulated use (GC-tested).</li><li>Level 2: Low-bleed plates and high-performance mats, validated for LC-MS/GC-MS.</li><li>Level 3: Premium WebSeal Plate+ with glass-coated plastic wells—ideal for trace analytes and protein adsorption control.</li></ul></li><li>Solvent stability and clean sample contact: WebSeal Plate+ uses nanolayered silicon dioxide for minimal extractables and ultra-low adsorption.</li><li>Compatible sealing options:<ul><li>Silicone mats: For long-term storage and consistent results.</li><li>Pre-slit mats: For autosampler injection without evaporation or contamination.</li><li>Adhesive seals: For single-use workflows and re-sealing options with cavity protection.</li></ul></li></ul>Whether you work with polar solvents, proteins, or trace-level analyses, SureSTART well plates and sealing accessories help you optimize throughput, precision, and data confidence across all chromatography workflows.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_3_abce3dd960.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: Selecting the perfect Thermo Scientific WebSeal well plates and mats for your chromatography requirements is easy using our selector tools and resources." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_3_abce3dd960.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="902">

Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits

QuEChERS is a versatile sample preparation method for analyzing pesticides, veterinary drugs, and other residues in various sample types before GC-MS or LC-MS analysis.

<div><div><div><h3>QuEChERS sample preparation—now easier, more convenient, and affordable</h3>QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe)is a sample preparation method that was initially developed in 2003 for analyzing veterinary drugs in food. The method was also tested for pesticide residue analysis in plant material with great success. In 2003, the detailed method was published in the journal AOAC International. Since then, the QuEChERS method has evolved into a sample preparation technique used on a variety of analytes in an expanding number of sample types before analysis by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/cz/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-gc-ms.html">GC-MS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/cz/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-lc-ms.html">LC-MS</a>.Thermo Scientific QuEChERS kits contain pre-packaged, ready-weighed salts, sorbents, and buffers to streamline your workflow and minimize the potential for error. The kits are grouped according to your analytes of interest, sample matrix, and preferred QuEChERS method:<ul><li>Original 2003 Method</li><li>AOAC 2007.01 Method</li><li>EN 15662 Method</li><li>NY/T 1380-2007 Method</li></ul>Complete packages—including both extraction and clean-up kits—are available. Extraction-only and cleanup-only kits are also offered to suit your laboratory’s sample preparation needs. These pre-packaged kits save time and money, make QuEChERS procedures easier and more convenient, and ensure quality to yield reproducible results and excellent recoveries for a wide variety of analytes.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_2_1e99f0c81b.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_2_1e99f0c81b.jpg 217w," sizes="100vw" width="891" height="640"><h3>Typical QuEChERS workflow</h3><div><div><div><div><div>As shown in the workflow diagram below, the QuEChERS method has four basic steps:<ol><li>Homogenize sample (fruit or vegetable)</li><li>Extract analytes of interest from a sample using extraction salts (pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, and/or mycotoxins)</li><li>Clean-up the resulting supernatant using dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE)</li><li>Analyze by GC-MS or LC-MS</li></ol><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_496491ceff.jpeg" alt="Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_496491ceff.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1170" height="706"><div><h3>QuEChERS products</h3></div><div><h4>QuEChERS extraction kits for original 2003 method</h4></div><div>The original QuEChERS method (Anastassiades et al, 2003) was developed by Steven J. Lehotay and Michelangelo Anastassiades in 2003 for the determination of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. The original method was created to analyze non-base-sensitive compounds and uses a sodium chloride buffer to reduce polar interferences and enhance extraction. Buffering is an important part of the QuEChERS procedure because it allows for analysis of pesticides and other residues that display pH dependence in their recoveries, depending on the sample matrix. Three different extraction kits are available to support the original 2003 QuEChERS method.<h5>Chemicals used in the original 2003 method</h5></div><ul><li>Acetonitrile: Used to perform single-phase extraction (SPE) on a sample</li><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>NaCl: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes residual water from sample; reduces polar interference and enhances extraction</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li></ul><div><h4>QuEChERS extraction and clean-up kits for AOAC 2007.01 method</h4>The AOAC 2007.01 QuEChERS Method was developed by Steven J. Lehotay and his co-workers, who modified the original 2003 method to accommodate the use of acetate buffering at higher concentration for greater buffering strength. Buffering is an important part of the QuEChERS procedure because it allows for analysis of pesticides and other residues that display pH dependence in their recoveries, depending on the sample matrix. These extraction and clean-up products here support the AOAC 2007.01 method.<div><h5>Chemicals used in the AOAC 2007.01 method</h5><ul><li>Acetonitrile: Used to perform single-phase extraction on a sample</li><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>NaOAc: Buffers the sample to stabilize pH</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>C18: Removes fats, sterols, and other non-polar interferences from sample</li><li>GCB: Graphitized carbon black, removes pigment (not recommended for use with planar pesticides)</li></ul><div><h4>QuEChERS extraction and clean-up kits for EN 15662 method</h4>The extraction and clean-up products here support the EN 15662 method. Widely used in Europe, the EN 15662 method was developed by Michelangelo Anastassiades and co-workers, who modified the original 2003 method to accommodate the use of citrate buffering at a relatively low buffering capacity. This variation uses a sodium chloride buffer to minimize polar interferences in addition to sodium citrate dihydrate and disodium citrate sesquihydrate buffers. Buffering is an important part of the QuEChERS procedure because it allows for analysis of pesticides and other residues that display pH dependence in their recoveries, depending on the sample matrix.<h5>Chemicals used in the EN 15662 method</h5><ul><li>Acetonitrile: Used to perform single-phase extraction on a sample</li><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>NaCl: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes residual water from sample</li><li>Trisodium Citrate: Buffers the sample to stabilize pH</li><li>Disodium Citrate Sesquihydrate: Buffers the sample to stabilize pH</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>C18: Removes fats, sterols, and other non-polar interferences from sample</li><li>GCB: Graphitized carbon black, removes pigment (not recommended for use with planar pesticides)</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_3_721562526f.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_3_721562526f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1471" height="488"><div><h4>QuEChERS clean-up kit for NY/T 1380-2007 method</h4></div><div>The NY/T 1380-2007 method is recommended by China Ministry of Agriculture for the QuEChERS Method sample preparation of 51 specific pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables with analysis by GC-MS.<h5>Chemicals used in the NY/T 1380-2007 method</h5><ul><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dSPE step</li><li>C18: Removes fats, sterols, and other non-polar interferences from sample</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

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