A General, Cryogenically-Based Analytical Technique for the Determination of Trace Quantities of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere

Randolph A. Coleman Department of Chemistry, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185

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Wesley R. Cofer III National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23665

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Robert A. Edahl Jr. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23665

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Abstract

An analytical technique for the determination of trace (sub-ppbv) quantities of volatile organic compounds in air was developed. A liquid nitrogen-cooled trap operated at reduced pressures in series with a Dupont Nafion-based drying tube and a gas chromatograph was utilized. The technique is capable of analyzing a variety of organic compounds, from simple alkanes to alcohols, while offering a high level of precision, peak sharpness, and sensitivity.

Abstract

An analytical technique for the determination of trace (sub-ppbv) quantities of volatile organic compounds in air was developed. A liquid nitrogen-cooled trap operated at reduced pressures in series with a Dupont Nafion-based drying tube and a gas chromatograph was utilized. The technique is capable of analyzing a variety of organic compounds, from simple alkanes to alcohols, while offering a high level of precision, peak sharpness, and sensitivity.

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