Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis
In the Environmental Engineering group, we use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to perform qualitative (identification of molecular components) and quantitative (how much of each component) chemical analysis in complex hazardous organic and fuel mixtures. This capability supports our research into the detection of environmental contaminants and the division’s research related to the development and certification of advanced jet fuels. This capability is also being used to support alternative fuels research.
Analyses are routinely conducted using one of three different types of mass spectrometers: the quadrupole, the ion trap and the time-of-flight mass spectrometers, all connected to gas chromatographic systems and available in our Thermal Decomposition Laboratory. Quantitative analysis is performed using the selected ion monitoring mode for additional low level sensitivity. Highly complex samples can also be examined using multi-dimensional GC-MS analysis.
Work in this area is supported by our capability in Instrumentation Development, in order to meet specific research needs. Support is also provided by our Sample Preparation, Characterization, and Hazardous Materials Handling Facility. This capability allows us to work safely with toxic materials, high value materials that may be available in very limited quantities, and to work with very small samples so that our activities result in almost zero waste.
An updated list of our journal articles on analytical measurements is given below:
J. L. Graham, R. C. Striebich, K. J. Myers, D. K. Minus, and W. E. Harrison, “Swelling of Nitrile Rubber by Selected Aromatics Blended in a Synthetic Jet Fuel,” Energy & Fuels, 20, 759, 2006.
L. M. Balster, S. Zabarnick, R. C. Striebich, L. M. Shafer, and Z. J. West, “Analysis of Polar Species in Jet Fuel and Determination of their Role in Autooxidative Deposit Formation,” Energy & Fuels, 20, 2564, 2006.
Z. J. West, S. Zabarnick, and R. C. Striebich, “Determination of Hydroperoxides in Jet Fuel via Reaction with Triphenylphosphine,” Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 44, 3377, 2005.
R. C. Striebich, M. A. Motsinger, M. E. Rauch, S. Zabarnick, and M. Dewitt, “Estimation of Select Specification Tests for Aviation Turbine Fuels using Fast Gas Chromatography,” Energy & Fuels, 19, 2445, 2005.
A. Fullana, J. A. Contreras, R. C. Striebich, and S. S. Sidhu, “Multidimensional GC/MS Analysis of Pyrolytic Oils,” Journal of Analytical & Applied Pyrolysis, 74, 315, 2005.
J. L. Graham, R. C. Striebich, C. L. Patterson, E. R. Krishnan and R. C. Haught, "MTBE Oxidation Byproducts from the Treatment of Surface Waters by Ozonation and UV-Ozonation," Chemosphere, 54, 1011, 2004.
D. D. Kirk, J. P. Baltrus, K. S. Rothenberger, S. Kurt, P. Zhuis, D. K. Minus, and Striebich, R. C., “Class- and Structure-Specific Separation, Analysis, and Identification Techniques for the Characterization of the Sulfur Compounds of JP-8 Aviation Fuel,” Energy & Fuels, 17, 1292, 2003.
R. C. Striebich, W. A. Rubey, and J. R. Klosterman, "Trace-Level Measurement of Complex Combustion Effluents and Residues Using Multidimensional Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (MDGC-MS)," Waste Management, 22, 413, 2002.
R. C. Striebich, B. Grinstead, and S. Zabarnick, “Quantitation of a Metal Deactivator Additive by Derivatization and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry,” Journal of Chromatographic Science, 38, 393, 2000.
S. Zabarnick, M. S. Mick, R. C. Striebich, and R. R. Grinstead, “Model Studies of Silylation Agents as Thermal Oxidative Jet Fuel Additives,” Energy & Fuels, 13, 154, 1999.