44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography - Invited speakers

In analytical chemistry, there are moments when your instrument gives you an answer, and moments when it gives you a question. The difference often comes down to resolution.A compelling example can be found in the analysis of blue fenugreek (Trigonella caerulea), a plant that is widely used as a spice in traditional foods. Interestingly, the fresh plant has almost no aroma, yet after drying and storage it develops a rich and complex bouquet. Understanding this transformation requires detailed insight into a highly dynamic mixture of volatile compounds.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Aromatic_profiling_using_GCMS_and_HRGCMS_5a89d505be.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: When Resolution Changes the Story: Single Quadrupole vs. HRAM GC-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Aromatic_profiling_using_GCMS_and_HRGCMS_5a89d505be.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1280" height="853">When researchers investigated this system using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/484">GC-MS</a>, they encountered exactly the kind of analytical ambiguity that many of us are familiar with. The sample contained a complex mixture of aldehydes and monoterpenoids, along with compounds that were not well described in existing databases.At first glance, a single quadrupole GC-MS appears to be perfectly suited for this type of analysis. It is robust, widely available, and highly effective for routine workflows. It provides reproducible fragmentation patterns and enables reliable library matching. In many cases, this is entirely sufficient.However, challenges arise when compounds share very similar fragmentation behavior. In the case of blue fenugreek, one particular signal could be interpreted in more than one way. The data were consistent with either dimethyl sulfide or a sulfine-type compound. Both possibilities made chemical sense, and both could be supported by the spectra obtained on a quadrupole system.This situation illustrates a fundamental limitation of unit mass resolution. When two candidate structures produce nearly indistinguishable spectra, the instrument cannot decisively distinguish between them. The result is not an incorrect answer, but an incomplete one. You are left with a hypothesis rather than a conclusion.The picture changes significantly when high-resolution accurate mass <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/473">(HRAM) GC-MS</a> is introduced. Instruments such as Orbitrap-based systems provide exact mass measurements with very high accuracy. This allows the determination of elemental compositions and enables clear differentiation between compounds that differ only slightly in mass.In the same example, HRAM analysis made it possible to distinguish between the competing structural hypotheses. What previously appeared ambiguous could now be resolved with confidence.This improvement is not merely a technical detail. It has important consequences for how the data are interpreted. Correct compound identification directly affects our understanding of biochemical pathways, especially in systems where aroma compounds are formed during drying and storage. It also influences how we assign sensory properties, since even small structural differences can lead to significant changes in odor perception. Furthermore, when studying the dynamics of volatile compounds over time, precise identification becomes essential for tracking formation and degradation processes.Despite these advantages, it would be misleading to suggest that HRAM GC-MS should replace single quadrupole systems in all cases. Single quadrupole instruments remain indispensable for routine analysis, targeted workflows, and situations where compounds are well known and thoroughly characterized. They offer a practical balance of performance, cost, and throughput.The key distinction lies in the analytical question being asked. If the goal is to quantify known compounds in a reliable and efficient manner, a single quadrupole system is often entirely appropriate. If, however, the goal is to identify unknowns, resolve ambiguities, or explore complex and poorly understood systems, then high-resolution accurate mass becomes essential.The study of blue fenugreek highlights a broader lesson. Natural products often present us with chemical complexity that challenges our assumptions and our tools. In such cases, ambiguity in the data is not a failure, but an indication that a deeper level of analysis is required.Ultimately, resolution is more than just an instrument specification. It defines how confidently we can translate signals into knowledge.<h4>Acknowledgement:</h4>I would like to thank Dr. Thomas Stegemann, Lab Manager and group leader, Christian-Alberts-University, Kiel, for the contribution to this blog.<h4>Call to action:</h4><ul><li>Watch webinar on demand: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6020">Aromatic profiling using GCMS and HRGCMS</a></li><li>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#GCMS #MassSpectrometry #HRAM #Orbitrap</li></ul><blockquote><h5>Petra Gerhards</h5>Regional Marketing Manager GC and GC/MS, EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific&nbsp;</blockquote>

When Resolution Changes the Story: Single Quadrupole vs. HRAM GC-MS

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 13th April 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, BaySpec, and Shimadzu and presentation by MDCW / SepSolve!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Sensitive and Reproducible Determination of Nitrosamines by GC/MSD</h3>Analysis of seven nitrosamines using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=5977+GC%2FMSD">Agilent 5977 GC/MSD</a> in positive chemical ionization mode with ammonia<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nitrosamines_5977_gc_ms_5994_9063en_agilent_acf455cd8e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Nitrosamines are a well known class of carcinogenic compounds that have been the subject of extensive scientific investigation and regulatory assessment for several decades.1 In recent years, various regulatory authorities have established drinking water guidelines for N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a disinfection byproduct of water treatment processes.&nbsp;In 2004, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published Method 521, a GC/MS-based method for the analysis of seven nitrosamines including NDMA in drinking water, supporting monitoring and regulatory programs.2 In 2010, Health Canada proposed a maximum acceptable concentration for NDMA in drinking water of 40&nbsp;ng/L.3 In the European Union (EU), several EU member states have introduced their own national limits for nitrosamines in drinking water. In Germany, for example, a concentration of 10&nbsp;ng/L will trigger the initiation of remedial actions to reduce the concentration of NDMA.4&nbsp;This application note demonstrates the ability of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=5977+GC%2FMSD">Agilent&nbsp;5977 Series GC/MSD</a> to enable linear and reproducible detection of the seven nitrosamines included in EPA Method&nbsp;521 using positive chemical ionization (PCI) with&nbsp;ammonia.&nbsp;Chemical ionization (CI) is a soft ionization technique used in mass spectrometry that enhances molecular ion visibility through controlled ion–molecule reactions. In CI, a reagent gas is ionized first, and the resulting reagent ions subsequently transfer charge to the analyte, producing significantly less fragmentation than conventional electron ionization (EI).&nbsp;PCI further improves sensitivity by generating predominantly protonated molecular ions [M +H]+ , concentrating the ion signal into a high-abundance species and delivering a stronger response and improved signal-to-noise ratios for trace-level compounds. Ammonia is an especially effective reagent gas for PCI due to its clean and efficient proton‑transfer chemistry, low background spectral contribution, and ability to produce stable, high-intensity molecular ions.&nbsp;These characteristics make ammonia PCI a highly suitable ionization mode for the sensitive and selective analysis of small polar contaminants such as nitrosamines, where low‑level detection and confident molecular ion identification are critical.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The study has shown that the Agilent 5977 GC/MSD, operated in PCI mode with ammonia, delivers the sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility needed for trace-level nitrosamine&nbsp;analysis. The method demonstrated excellent linearity, with regression coefficients (R²) of 0.9989 or better across the 0.1 to 20.0&nbsp;ppb range for six nitrosamines, and 0.9987 across the 0.5 to 20.0&nbsp;ppb range for NPYR. Analytical repeatability was robust, with %RSD values &lt; 4.8% at the lowest calibration level, indicating a stable and consistent instrument response. Instrument Detection Limits ranged from 0.0063 to 0.0655&nbsp;ppb, demonstrating the system's ability to reliably distinguish analyte signals from instrumental noise. Overall, these results confirm the suitability of the 5977 GC/MSD as a sensitive and dependable platform for nitrosamine analysis in applications that require stringent trace‑level detection<h3>2. BaySpec: Peptide sequencing using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2218">Continuity miniature mass spectrometer</a></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bay_Spec_App_Note_Peptide_Sequencing_002_af7ca2496c.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Peptide identification and sequencing strategies by mass spectrometry have been very well-developed during the last 25 years after the soft ionization techniques have been introduced. When sequencing peptides with tandem mass spectrometry (MSn), peptides are cleaved at various locations off their backbones to generate fragment ions of different masses based on their amino acid sequences. The most common product ions are the b-, y-, and a-ions generated from the cleavage of amide bond (CO-NH) and the subsequent loss of CO from the b-ions to form a-ions. The resulting MSn spectra can be matched with a database or computed with an algorithm to get the original sequence of known or unknown peptides.&nbsp;Here we present an example of peptide sequencing with BaySpec’s highly-portable (22 kg) and battery operated Continuity -series portable mass spectrometer. It features a linear ion trap with collisionally induced dissociation (CID) for MSn analysis, similar to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2219">Portability series mass spectrometers</a>. In addition, Continuity is equipped with a continuous atmospheric pressure sampling inlet with differential pumping, allowing the detection of a larger mass range (110 – 950 amu). BaySpec’s Continuity mass spectrometer is ideal for on-site peptide sequencing. In this application note, we show an example of peptide sequencing in a standard mixture (H2016, SigmaAldrich) with Continuity mass spectrometer. The mixture was dissolved in HPLC grade water, and then further diluted with an electrospray solution (50:50 methanol:water with 0.5% acetic acid). The diluted solution is directly infused into the API inlet of the Continuity mass spectrometer without any further treatment or separation.<h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2218">ContinuityTM Mass Spectrometer&nbsp;</a></h4>The Continuity mass spectrometer is one of BaySpec’s newest portable instruments. Continuity features a continuous sampling atmospheric pressure inlet, wide mass range and high sensitivity. Designed to bring the benefits of powerful mass to the field, the Continuity can service a variety of bulk or trace detection applications, as well as scientific studies.<h3>3. MDCW / SepSolve: Sniff smarter: Empowering GC–O with trap-based enrichment and GC×GC for advanced aroma profiling</h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_5_Mikaliunaite_29610bc29d.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The presentation focuses on improving the correlation between chemical analysis and human sensory perception in complex samples such as food matrices. Traditional gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) workflows face two major limitations: the presence of trace-level odorants with extremely low odour detection thresholds and the frequent co-elution of compounds, which makes it difficult to assign specific sensory attributes to individual analytes. As highlighted in the early slides, these challenges often result in discrepancies between what instruments detect and what the human nose perceives .To address these issues, the study introduces trap-based enrichment as a key enhancement step. This approach enables pre-concentration and focusing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) prior to GC analysis, while selectively removing interferents such as water and air. The use of electrically cooled traps allows efficient analyte retention and rapid thermal desorption, improving sensitivity without the need for cryogens. Importantly, this enrichment strategy enhances the detectability of trace odorants, enabling better alignment between instrumental signals and sensory perception.A second major advancement presented is the integration of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with TOF-MS and olfactory detection (GC×GC–O–TOF MS). Compared to conventional one-dimensional GC, GC×GC significantly increases separation capacity, effectively resolving co-eluting compounds. This enables more confident identification of odor-active compounds and clearer mapping between chromatographic peaks and recorded aroma descriptors. The workflow also incorporates an odour detection port (ODP), allowing simultaneous acquisition of chromatographic and sensory data, thereby bridging the gap between analytical chemistry and human olfaction.The methodology is demonstrated using real-world applications, including citrus rind and orange juice analysis, where complex aroma profiles are investigated. The results show that GC×GC combined with enrichment and advanced data processing (e.g., Smart Subtract®) enables detailed comparison of sample variants (e.g., juice with vs. without pulp) and identification of subtle compositional differences. Overall, the study highlights that combining trap-based enrichment, GC×GC separation, and integrated sensory detection provides a powerful platform for comprehensive aroma profiling, improving both sensitivity and interpretability in flavour and fragrance analysis<h3>4. Shimadzu: Dual-line Gas Analysis Using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=gc-2060">Nexis GC-2060</a> Gas Chromatograph with a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GI-30+Auto+Gas+Injector">GI-30 Auto Gas Injector</a> and BID and TCD Detectors</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01171_en_5a83027622.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>The Nexis GC-2060 can be equipped with two GI-30 units, enabling automated gas analysis for two sample lines on a single GC.&nbsp;</li><li>The combination of TCD and BID detectors enables analysis of a wide range of sample concentrations.&nbsp;</li><li>Using the GI-30 auto gas injector enables automated gas-sample introduction with high repeatability</li></ul>Gas analysis is performed across a wide range of fields, including resource and energy applications and environmental applications. Typical target analytes include inorganic gases such as H2, N2, CO, and CO2, as well as light hydrocarbon gases such as CH4. Because concentration ranges and matrices vary depending on the sample, detection sensitivity and separation performance must be optimized to meet the measurement objective.&nbsp;Both BID and TCD detectors can detect all compounds except carrier gases (BID cannot detect Ne). The BID is a Shimadzudeveloped detector that enables highly sensitive analysis of lowlevel components at the ppm level and simultaneous analysis of multiple compounds, including H2. In contrast, the TCD provides stable analysis even at high concentrations on the order of percent, and it also has a short time from startup to analysis readiness. Using both detectors together allows a single GC system to cover a wide concentration range from low to high.&nbsp;This article describes dual-line gas analysis using a Nexis GC-2060 equipped with both a BID and a TCD, combined with automated sample introduction using the GI-30 auto gas injector. By combining a BID and a TCD,samples across a broad concentration range can be measured. In addition, automated introduction of gas samples using the GI-30 improves repeatability in continuous analysis and enhances operational efficiency.<h4>Dual-LineGas Analysis Using the GI-30</h4>The GI-30 is an auto gas injector that enables automated, continuous analysis of gas samples (Fig. 1 (right) shows a schematic diagram of the GI-30). With its highly expandable design, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=gc-2060">Nexis GC-2060 </a>can be equipped with two <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GI-30+Auto+Gas+Injector">GI-30</a> units (Fig. 1 (left)). This enables high-throughput automated gas analysis of two sample lines on a single GC. In addition, because the injection unit, column, detector, and carrier gas can be configured independently for each line, the system can accommodate gas samples with diverse compositions and concentrations. In this application, Line 1 was configured with an SPI/BID to provide highly sensitive detection of low-level components. The SPI is a split/splitless injection unit dedicated to gas analysis. Its high airtightness and inert deactivation of the flow path help suppress ambient air intrusion and analyte adsorption, making it effective for analyzing trace atmospheric components (e.g., N2 and O2) and components that tend to adsorb. In contrast, Line 2 was configured with an SPL/TCD. Using an SPL injection unit also allows liquid sample analysis and manual injection with a gas-tight syringe.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Low- and high-concentration gas samples were analyzed simultaneously on two lines using a Nexis GC-2060 equipped with two GI-30 units and a BID/TCD. By adopting a dual-line configuration with dual GI-30 units and selecting the injection unit, column, detector, and carrier gas according to the measurement objective, it is possible to expand the range of sample concentrations and compositions that can be measured. In addition, automated, continuous gas analysis using the GI-30 reduces the analyst’s workload and enables highly repeatable analysis that is difficultto achieve with manual introduction.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 16, 2026

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ISCC & GC×GC Symposium bring together global experts to discuss advances in capillary and multidimensional chromatography, mass spectrometry, and analytical technologies for complex sample analysis.

International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and GCxGC Symposium

Metrohm

Anton Paar

Agilent Technologies

Bruker

SelectScience

C&EN

Waters Corporation

<h4>Food Safety Webinar Series: When Food Meets the Lab</h4>Food testing in the region still revolves around “legacy” contaminants that decide release, rejection, and recall discussions - veterinary drug residues, pesticide residues and fumigants, and toxic elements including species-sensitive forms, in different food matrices. This 3-part series is built for audiences where regulatory expectations reference Codex-based frameworks, country-specific legislative guidelines, and import/export-market requirements that influence testing scope, reporting limits, and confirmation criteria. Each webinar focuses on the analytical factors that drive outcomes: matrix effects and co-extractives, trace-level quantitation, transition/ion-ratio checks, interference control, and reportable result logic.Keynote expert speakers will set the regulatory context, give a glimpse of the current trends, and future implications. Agilent workflow segments map these needs to sample preparation nuances, LC-MS/MS for multi-class residues, GC-MS/MS and headspace GC for residue/fumigant markers, and ICP-MS plus LC-ICP-MS for heavy metals and speciation, including QC structures and data review patterns used in high-throughput labs, to name a few.<h5>Webinar Series Details</h5><ul><li>Register once to attend the complete 3-part series</li><li>Submit your questions beforehand</li><li>Access recorded sessions anytime within one year</li><li>Certificate of attendance will be provided to all attendees</li></ul><h4>Part 2: Pesticide Residues &amp; Fumigants Edition</h4>Pesticide residue testing is shaped by Codex/EU-aligned expectations that frequently drive import decisions, while fumigant markers remain high-scrutiny topics for ingredients and finished foods, especially in spice, grain, seed, and produce supply chains. This webinar connects the regulatory context to method choices and result interpretation: broad-scope multi-residue coverage versus matrix complexity, QuEChERS-based extraction and cleanup, split-platform workflows (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS). For fumigants, the focus includes sample handling for volatility, targeted measurement approaches for ethylene oxide/2-CE and phosphine-related testing where relevant, and reporting pitfalls that trigger disputes.&nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Vandana Tripathy (Principal Scientist &amp; Network Coordinator, AINP on Pesticide Residues, ICAR-IARI; FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues, India)Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Yu-Feng Zhang (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Singapore)</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Food Safety Webinar Series: When Food Meets the Lab

Pesticide Residues & Fumigants Edition

Webinar on pesticide residues and fumigants: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, QuEChERS workflows and Codex/EU-aligned regulatory reporting.

<div><h4>Unlock the Power of the Latest Empower CDS Releases</h4>Since the base release of Empower Chromatography Data System (CDS) in 2010, we have gone through 36 version updates. These updates have included new features, enhancements to existing functionality, and numerous updates across multiple areas - from instrument support to infrastructure technology.In this webinar we will focus on new features and updates in recent releases impacting compliance, an extremely important topic for many of you.<h5>What you’ll understand by the end</h5><ul><li>Risks of using outdated software</li><li>Support status of various Empower Software versions</li><li>Security enhancements to Empower CDS</li><li>Recent updates in USP calculations</li><li>Risk reduction of potential bias in the laboratory</li><li>Streamline the lab with Multi Angle Light Scattering and monitoring application</li></ul><h5>Who should attend</h5><ul><li>This webinar is designed for Lab Managers, Empower System Administrators, Quality, Quality IT, and Lab Personnel.</li></ul>Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore this topic. As always, please bring your questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software.<blockquote>Presenter: Neil Lander (Senior Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Senior Principal Product Manager focusing on Informatics solutions.He provides internal support for Empower Chromatography Data System and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives.</blockquote></div>

Waters Corporation: Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Updates in Empower Software to Advance Your Compliance

Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Updates in Empower Software to Advance Your Compliance

Webinar on recent Empower CDS releases, covering compliance updates, security enhancements, and laboratory risk reduction strategies.

Updates in Empower Software to Advance Compliance

Conventional analysis of polymers requires several different technologies to determine parameters such as density, intrinsic viscosity, hydroxyl value, additive content, and more. These approaches are not only time-consuming but also require significant effort from qualified personnel, both in final quality control and monitoring criticial stages during the production process.In our upcoming webinar on April 16, we present NIR spectroscopy (NIRS) as a faster and easier alternative. This chemical-free technlogy provides results at the push of a button enabling the determination of multiple chemical and physical parameters with just one measurement within seconds.After a brief introduction to the fundamentals of NIRS, our experts will demonstrate how polymer manufacturers and processors can use this technology to simplify quality control, reduce waste, and use automation to improve overall efficiency. In a Q&amp;A session at the end of the webinar, our presenters will be happy to answer any questions you may have about NIRS and how to implement it in your manufacturing process.<h4>Key learnings of this webinar:</h4><ul><li>Understand what NIRS is and how it works</li><li>Understand how NIRS compares with traditional wet chemistry</li><li>Understand how NIRS is applied as per ASTM guidelines</li><li>Application examples for NIRS from the polymer sector</li></ul><h4>Who should attend?</h4>Lab managers, lab technicians, chemists, and everybody else interested in making their quality control of polymers more efficient.<blockquote>Presenter: Andreas Agerer (Application Specialist NIRS, Metrohm International Headquarters)Andreas Agerer is an Application Specialist at Metrohm AG, working in the Competence Center Spectroscopy since 2018. In this time, he has been responsible for developing NIRS methods tailored to new application areas and supporting sales teams during feasibility studies. Andreas completed his university graduate work in the field of polymer analysis using vibrational spectroscopy.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Maria Cartes (Product Specialist Spectroscopy, Metrohm International Headquarters)Dr. Maria Cartes studied chemistry. After finishing her PhD studies on ethylene polymerization at the University of Seville (Spain), she moved to Switzerland to work as a postdoc. In 2021, Maria joined Metrohm, where she works as Product Specialist in the Competence Center Spectroscopy, providing international support and product training for NIRS.</blockquote>

Metrohm: Measure smarter, spend less – NIR spectroscopy for polymer analysis

Measure smarter, spend less – NIR spectroscopy for polymer analysis

NIR spectroscopy for polymer quality control. Explore fast multi-parameter analysis and automation benefits for manufacturing efficiency.

NIR spectroscopy for polymer analysis

<h4>Talk to an expert about how Gas Chromatography supports Industrial laboratories through innovative Hardware and Software workflows</h4>Join our expert panel of Gas Chromatography users and specialists for an interactive Round Table dedicated to the evolving role of GC in industrial laboratories. We will explore the essential hardware and software requirements for robust, compliant, and scalable GC workflows, discuss real-world challenges and solutions, and look ahead to the innovations shaping the future of industrial GC. This session offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners and Thermo Fisher experts.Ask our experts live!<h4>Learning points:</h4><ul><li>How GC supports critical industrial workflows, including quality control, process monitoring, product development, and regulatory compliance.</li><li>Best-practice hardware and software configurations to ensure reliability, data integrity, automation, and ease of integration in industrial environments.</li></ul><h4>Who should attend?</h4><ul><li>Laboratory managers, supervisors, and analysts working in industrial QC, R&amp;D, or process labs.</li><li>GC users seeking guidance on optimizing instrument performance, data systems, and workflow integration.</li><li>Anyone interested to future-proof their GC analytical capabilities.</li></ul>If you cannot attend this webinar please register to receive a link to the On Demand version the following day.&nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager GC, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Presenter:&nbsp;Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager, EMEA, AAT, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Ask the Expert: Maximizing GC Performance in Industrial Applications

Ask the Expert: Maximizing GC Performance in Industrial Applications

Learn best-practice hardware and software strategies for reliable, compliant, and scalable gas chromatography operations.

Maximizing GC Performance in Industrial Applications

FTIR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that connects molecular vibrations to practical chemical measurements. In this webinar, we review the fundamentals of FTIR spectroscopy, including how infrared absorption arises from molecular structure, why IR spectra provide unique chemical fingerprints, and how quantitative information can be extracted using Beer–Lambert–based calibration with carefully selected spectral bands. These core concepts form the foundation for applying FTIR reliably to complex chemical systems, including aqueous samples, using the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer.&nbsp;The webinar then transitions to the practical challenge of measuring oil and grease in water—an important requirement for wastewater, process water, and environmental monitoring. ClearShot™ Extraction Technology, developed by OSS Maine, provides a cost-effective, safe, and accurate approach for quantifying total oil and grease without the use of hazardous solvents. When paired with FTIR analysis, this workflow enables rapid measurements across a wide concentration range, supporting efficient, reliable water analysis.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp; Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Molecular spectroscopy webinars

FTIR in Action: From Spectroscopy Fundamentals to Oil and Grease Analysis in Water

Webinar on FTIR fundamentals and oil & grease analysis in water using ClearShot™ extraction and Agilent Cary 630 for rapid, reliable environmental testing.

FTIR Fundamentals & Oil and Grease Analysis in Water

Join us for this dual‑session SelectScience® webinar exploring hydrogen impurity testing and analytical strategies for achieving ISO 14687‑aligned fuel quality. To better suit your schedule and time zone, the webinar will be offered in two separate sessions:<ul><li>Session 1: 09:00 BST | 10:00 CEST</li><li>Session 2: 10:00 PDT | 13:00 EDT | 18:00 BST</li></ul>As hydrogen scales across energy, transport, and industrial applications, understanding fuel purity is fundamental for compliance, safety, and uptime. At present, only a limited number of instruments are capable of addressing the full hydrogen impurity matrix, meaning that most testing strategies continue to rely on a combination of analytical technologies aligned to the specific production pathway.In this webinar, Tyler Roberts, Market Manager of Applied Markets at Shimadzu, presents a practical, process‑aware framework for hydrogen impurity testing. He will outline how different analytical technologies contribute to a complete workflow, including:<ul><li>System GC for permanent gases, hydrocarbons, and sulfur compounds</li><li>GC‑MS for organic impurity identification and speciation</li><li>Ion chromatography for ammonia and halogenated acids at the lowest required detection limits</li><li>FTIR for rapid multi‑component screening from a single sample</li></ul>Covering pathways from steam methane reforming (SMR) and electrolysis to ammonia cracking and liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) systems, this session will guide you in building the analytical foundation for confident hydrogen quality assurance benchmarked against ISO 14687.<h4>Who should attend?</h4>This event is perfect for:<ul><li>Analytical chemists</li><li>QC lab scientists</li><li>Hydrogen production process engineers</li><li>Fuel cell researchers</li><li>Fuel cell test engineers</li><li>Catalyst researchers</li><li>Lab managers</li><li>Lab procurement specialists</li></ul><h5>Certificate of attendance</h5><ul><li>If you attend the live webinar, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.</li><li>If you view the on-demand webinar, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.</li></ul><h4>Webinar details</h4><ul><li>Cost: Free to attend</li><li>Location: Online</li><li>Duration: 60 minutes</li></ul>Registration is required to secure your place. If you register but can’t attend live, you will receive a link to the on‑demand recording once it becomes available<blockquote>Speaker: Tyler Roberts (Market Manager, Applied Markets, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)Tyler Roberts holds a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Arizona and has built a reputation for bridging deep technical expertise with market-driven innovation. Tyler is now the Market Manager for Applied Markets at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, where he leads technical marketing strategy across the energy, chemicals, and materials sectors and is a vocal advocate for advancing analytical science in high-impact industries.Moderator: Olivia Long (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</blockquote>

Shimadzu: What’s in your hydrogen? Analytical toolkits for fuel purity analysis

What’s in your hydrogen? Analytical toolkits for fuel purity analysis

Hydrogen impurity testing and ISO 14687 compliance. Discover GC, GC-MS, IC, and FTIR strategies for reliable fuel quality assurance.

Analytical toolkits for fuel purity analysis

Experience how Agilent’s Gas Analyzers and Micro GC platforms deliver dependable, high‑efficiency gas analysis across the chemical and energy value chain.This three‑part webinar series offers market perspectives, expert technical guidance, and practical workflows designed to help laboratories enhance operational agility and performance.<h5>Webinar Series Details</h5><ul><li>Register once to attend the complete 3-part series</li><li>Submit your questions beforehand</li><li>Access recorded sessions anytime within one year</li><li>Certificate of attendance will be provided to all attendees</li><li>APAC-wide: 11:30 a.m. IST | 1:00 p.m. ICT | 2:00 p.m. SGT | 5:00 p.m. AEST</li></ul><h4>Part 2: Agilent Solutions for Natural Gas Analysis in Coal-to-Gas Acceleration</h4>The transition from coal to natural gas is accelerating as industries prioritize cleaner and more efficient energy sources. Ensuring natural gas quality requires precise, reliable analytical methods to characterize composition, contaminants, and energy content. This session covers the holistic landscape, followed by an in-depth look at how the Agilent workflow is specialized and flexible to support operational agility. Ideal for labs seeking actionable market insights and high-performance analytical solutions.<blockquote>Presenter: Ms. Phoebe Phan (Business Development Manager, Agilent Technologies)Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Jie Zhang (Application Development Scientist, Agilent Technologies)</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Gas Analyzers in the Chemical & Energy Market

Agilent Solutions for Natural Gas Analysis in Coal-to-Gas Acceleration

This session covers the holistic landscape, followed by an in-depth look at how the Agilent workflow is specialized and flexible to support operational agility.

Agilent Solutions for Natural Gas Analysis 

Join this presentation and open discussion with industry-leading experts Patrick Muller and Kieran Evans – leaders in UV/Vis and IR analytical methods and testing techniques. This talk is designed for scientists in optics development and the high-end research of optical properties who work in academia, solar, space, defense and other high-performance applications.<h4>Key Learning Objectives:</h4><ul><li>Understand key measurement requirements for optical components and thin films, using both the UV/Vis/NIR and FTIR instrumentation.</li><li>Better understand material properties for real-life applications in industry, defense and the environment.</li><li>Learn about the importance of sampling flexibility in UV/Vis/NIR analysis.</li><li>See how specialist infrared equipment such as Optica can further advance your research insights including in-transmission measurements.</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:</h4>Scientists investigating optical properties who work in academia, solar, space, defense and other high-performance applications:<ul><li>Laboratory manager</li><li>Material Scientist</li><li>Research/Researcher</li><li>Optics Scientists</li><li>Principal Investigators</li><li>Lead Researcher</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Kieran Evans (Product Manager – UV, PerkinElmer UK)Speaker: Dr. Patrick Müller (Product Specialist FT-IR/FT-NIR, PerkinElmer)Speaker: Sara Kobilka (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)</blockquote>

C&EN: Precision Lab Solutions for High-End Optics and Coatings

Precision Lab Solutions for High-End Optics and Coatings

Join this presentation and open discussion with industry-leading experts in UV/Vis and IR analytical methods and testing techniques.

<h4>Highly productive nanoscale spectroscopy that is easy to use and easy to interpret</h4>With photothermal atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR), chemical identification at the nanoscale is achieved by measuring local IR spectra directly at the AFM tip. This method stands out among nanoscale spectroscopic approaches for its user-friendly operation, straightforward data interpretation, fast measurement times, and reliable repeatability. Bruker's AFM-IR technology delivers monolayer sensitivity, offers spatial resolution below 10 nm, accommodates various probing depths, and supports correlative analysis of chemical and mechanical properties.In this webinar, Bruker experts will provide a thorough introduction to photothermal AFM-IR, tailored for IR spectroscopists. They will share explanations of underlying physics, examples of FTIR spectral correlation, and practical experimental considerations.<h4>Join us to learn:</h4><ul><li>How the technique works, both theoretically and practically</li><li>Why AFM-IR is spectrally correlated with FTIR</li><li>When AFM-IR is an ideal technique choice</li><li>What experimental factors impact AFM-IR spectra</li></ul><h4>Webinar Summary</h4>Photothermal atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) enables chemical identification at the nanoscale by collecting local infrared spectra at the AFM tip. Compared to other nanoscale spectroscopic techniques, AFM-IR provides major advantages in ease of use, ease of interpretation, measurement speed, and data repeatability. The AFM-IR technique developed at Bruker has achieved monolayer sensitivity, sub-10 nm spatial resolution, a range of probing depths, and correlative measurements of chemical and mechanical properties.The AFM-IR signal is proportional to sample absorption coefficients of the IR irradiation, leading to correlation between the collected AFM-IR spectra and the transmission mode bulk Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. This correlation is critical and forms the basis of the chemical identification capability of the AFM-IR technique. Several application examples in different research fields will be highlighted to demonstrate such correlation. Valuable nanoscale chemical information is extracted from the AFM-IR spectra’s peak ratios, band positions and shapes. After that, experimental factors that may impact the AFM-IR spectra will be discussed. These factors need to be properly considered to have correct interpretations of the AFM-IR spectra.<h4>Featured Products and Technology</h4><ul><li>NanoIR Spectrometers: Bruker's nanoIR spectrometers are the world leader in photothermal IR spectroscopy from the nanoscale to the sub-micron and macro scales.</li><li>Dimension IconIR: Flagship photothermal AFM-IR system, offering correlative imaging modes and 150 mm of sample access for ultimate versatility in materials research and industrial R&amp;D</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Cassandra Phillips, Ph.D. (Senior Product Manager, Bruker)Cassandra did her Ph.D. at the University of Toronto exploring the photophysics of boron nitride nanotubes using scattering scanning nearfield optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and computational models. She has been working at Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology since September 2019 as an Applications Scientist focusing on nanoscale IR spectro-microscopy and other correlated imaging techniques realized with atomic force microscopy.</blockquote><blockquote>Speaker:&nbsp;Dr. Qichi Hu (Senior Applications Scientist)Qichi is currently a Senior Staff Applications Scientist at Bruker Nano. He received a bachelor’s degree from Peking University and Ph.D. from University of British Columbia. He then did postdocs in U.S. university and national labs. Qichi has been working on nanoIR development and applications for over a decade, at Anasys and now at Bruker.</blockquote><blockquote>Speaker:&nbsp;Hartmut Stadler, Ph.D. (Applications Engineer, Bruker Nano GmbH)Hartmut Stadler works as an application scientist for Bruker Nano Surfaces and is now mainly focussed on the chemical side of AFM, including electrochemical operation and nanoscale IR techniques. His background is Physical Chemistry, with a PhD thesis in the field of biofilm characterization using macroscopic and nanoscopic methods. Since more than 25 years he operates AFMs and since more than 20 years he supports Bruker’s European AFM customers and distribution channel partners in AFM-application related questions.</blockquote>

Bruker: Introduction to Photothermal AFM-IR for Infrared Spectroscopists

Introduction to Photothermal AFM-IR for Infrared Spectroscopists

How the technique works, both theoretically and practically

Introduction to Photothermal AFM-IR

Crystallinity strongly affects the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymer films, yet monitoring it during extrusion is difficult. This work presents an integrated workflow using thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy, lab‑scale film extrusion, and optical film‑quality inspection to predict and confirm crystallinity and overall product quality in LDPE/PEEK. Thermal analysis provides precise enthalpy of fusion values and baseline crystallinity (typically 35–45%), establishing robust reference data. These values inform calibration of Raman regression models built from C‑H and skeletal vibration bands, enabling rapid, non‑destructive crystallinity forecasting.Using Anton Paar Brabender extrusion equipment, the Raman model is validated in real time during LDPE/PEEK film production, capturing crystallinity changes such as shear‑induced reductions after extrusion. Complementing this, the Film Quality Analyzer identifies defects including black specks, gels, fisheyes, and holes (ASTM D7310). Together, these tools help polymer scientists enhance film uniformity, prevent defects, and accelerate process optimization.<h4>Key Learning Objectives:</h4>1. Understand how crystallinity governs polymer film performance<ul><li>Viewers will learn why crystallinity is critical for mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of LDPE/PEEK films and why real‑time monitoring during extrusion is challenging but essential for product quality.</li></ul>2. Learn how to quantify crystallinity using thermal and spectroscopic tools<ul><li>They will see how thermal analysis establishes accurate baseline crystallinity values and how Raman spectroscopy—calibrated with those values—can rapidly and non‑destructively predict crystallinity in real time.</li></ul>3. Discover how to validate crystallinity models during extrusion<ul><li>The audience will understand how lab‑scale single‑screw extrusion combined with in‑line Raman analysis tracks crystallinity changes under real processing conditions, including shear‑induced disorder.</li></ul>4. Recognize how optical film‑quality analysis ensures defect‑free products<ul><li>They will learn how an optical Film Quality Analyzer detects defects such as black specks, gels, fisheyes, and holes, enabling consistent, standards‑based quality control (ASTM D7310).</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Christoph PielenAfter earning his degree from RWTH Aachen University in Germany, Christoph Pielen joined Brabender GmbH in 2012 as an Application Specialist. He later becoming Laboratory Manager and then President of Brabender CWB in the U.S., where he supported ASTM standard development and customer applications. Following Brabender's 2023 acquisition by Anton Paar, Christoph now serves as Lead Scientist for Texture and Extrusion at Anton Paar USA.Outside work, Christoph enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with his two children, Alexander and Victoria, while pursuing his passion for aviation and space exploration.</blockquote>

Anton Paar: From Analysis to Assurance: How Thermal, Raman, and Film Extrusion Techniques Validate Crystallinity and Ensure Polymer Product Quality

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