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GC-MS
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) identifies volatile and semi-volatile compounds and separates them into individual components using a temperature-controlled gas chromatograph. During the process, a sample is injected into the chromatograph (or it may come from another sampling device) and passes through the chromatography column, which separates mixtures into individual components as they pass through at different rates. The result is a quantitative analysis of the components, along with a mass spectrum of each component.
Often compounds cannot be analyzed by a particular method, because they are not in a form amenable to the analytical technique. We have a number of alternative approaches to get a sample into the GC/MS instrument.
- Dynamic Headspace Analysis (DHS) is used primarily for analyzing volatile compounds in matrices that cannot be directly injected into a gas chromatograph, including polymers, electronic components, wafers, biomedical devices, and environmental samples not suitable for direct injection. In DHS, the sample is placed in a closed chamber and heated to a specified temperature for a specified time. The outgassed components are then collected and analyzed by GC/MS.
- Pyrolysis for non-volatile samples.
- Direct solid surface analysis.
Our GC/MS service offering is unique, because we have a highly qualified scientific staff experienced at handling diverse, nonstandard samples. We are equally adept at handling the customary/federally regulated tests (e.g., FDA, EPA) as we are challenging one-off issues. We have analyzed many different materials, and we have intimate knowledge of the instruments and the best way to use them.
GC/MS Technical Capabilities
Signal Detected:
Molecular/characteristic fragment ions
Elements Detected:
Molecular ions to mass 800
Detection Limits:
400 ng (full scan)
10 ng (outgassing)
Ideal Uses for GC/MS Analysis
- Identifying and quantifying volatile organic compounds in mixtures
- Outgassing studies
- Testing for residual solvents
- Liquid or gas injections
- Evaluating extracts from plastics
- Evaluating contaminants on semiconductor wafers (thermal desorption)
Relevant Industries for GC/MS Analysis
- Biomedical/biotechnology (primary)
- Electronics (primary)
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Compound Semiconductor
- Data Storage
- Defense
- Displays
- Industrial Products
- Lighting
- Pharmaceutical
- Photonics
- Polymer
- Semiconductor
- Solar Photovoltaics
- Telecommunications
Strengths of GC/MS Analysis
- Identification of organic components by separating complex mixtures
- Quantitative analysis
- Trace-level determination of organic contamination (low to mid-ppb level for liquids and low nanogram level for solids (Dynamic Headspace Analysis)
Limitations of GC/MS Analysis
- Sample must either be volatile or capable of derivatization.