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Modulation in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography: 20 years of innovation

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Abstract

With almost 20 years having passed since John B. Phillips described the first comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) separation, much has occurred in this ever-expanding field of separation science. GC × GC is currently one of the most effective techniques for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures, offering significantly greater peak capacities than conventional chromatographic methods. The technique is generally based upon separations performed on two chromatographic columns characterized by considerably different selectivities, joined together through a modulating interface. The modulator periodically traps or samples the primary column effluent, usually refocuses it into a narrow chromatographic band and injects the focused fraction into the secondary column. The modulator is often referred to as the ‘heart’ of the instrument, since a GC × GC separation is impossible without its use. This article reviews major innovations in GC × GC modulator development since its first use by Phillips in 1991. Emphasis has been placed on modulator design and function.

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Abbreviations

DVM:

diaphragm valve modulator

GC:

gas chromatography

GC × GC:

comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography

LMCS:

longitudinally modulated cryogenic system

PDMS:

polydimethylsiloxane

RTM:

rotating thermal modulator

TDM:

thermal desorption modulator

VOC:

volatile organic compounds

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Acknowledgement

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is gratefully acknowledged for the financial support of this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada

    Matthew Edwards, Ahmed Mostafa & Tadeusz Górecki

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  1. Matthew Edwards
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  2. Ahmed Mostafa
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  3. Tadeusz Górecki
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Correspondence to Tadeusz Górecki.

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Published in the special issue Comprehensive Multidimensional Separations with Guest Editors James Harynuk and Philip Marriott.

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Edwards, M., Mostafa, A. & Górecki, T. Modulation in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography: 20 years of innovation. Anal Bioanal Chem 401, 2335–2349 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5100-6

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