Applications of coupled gas chromatography-atomic emission detection.

This thesis describes the evaluation and application of the atomic emission detector as a detector for capillary gas chromatography. Chapter 1 is a general introduction to the technique, describing the development of the atomic emission detector, the theory of its operation, and some of its applications. This chapter also includes a detailed description of chromatography theory. Chapter 2 describes the experimental conditions used throughout the course of this work. Chapter 3 concentrates on compound independent calibration, beginning with a general introduction to the area and a discussion of studies already made. Four groups of compounds were used to determine the ability of the atomic emission detector to perform compound independent calibration. Initial studies with a group of similar hydrocarbons showed little or no compound/structure dependence. However, results from the same study with a group of phenols did indicate some structure dependence for carbon and oxygen, but when chloroanisoles were tested, this compound dependence was not apparent. A group of different nitrogen-containing compounds was then studied. Here structure dependence was observed on all channels, ie carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. It was also noted that the responses became non-linear at higher concentrations. This would normally indicate detector overload, but not in this case as non-linearity occurred to different extents for the same element in different compounds.A study was also made on the effect of discharge tube ageing on response. Clean and dirty discharge tubes were used for the phenols and the nitrogen-containing compounds. The phenol, carbon and chlorine results showed a decreased sensitivity with the old tube, but the oxygen responses were not affected. The same drop in sensitivity was seen with the nitrogen-containing compounds, but here oxygen was also affected. Chapter 4 describes the use of the atomic emission detector and mass spectrometry as complementary techniques. Perfume samples were analysed using both instruments. A comparison of 'real' and 'fake' perfumes was also made. Results indicated that the atomic emission data was useful in deciding whether to accept or reject mass spectral library guesses. Chapter 5 describes the application of the atomic emission detector for the analysis of refinery streams. The use of the 'backamount' correction facility was also effectively demonstrated. Chapter 6 is a general discussion of the instrument including operational problems encountered and possible modifications to overcome these problems.The overall objective of the thesis is to place the GC-AED combination in the context of the commonly used chromatographic techniques.