
What is thermal desorption?
Thermal desorption (TD) is a versatile preconcentration technique for gas chromatography, which is used to analyse volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from solids, liquids or gases.
Find out more by downloading our introductory e-book which explains more about the technique and it's place in the analytical laboratory
Latest information on PFAS analysis

Sampling and analysis of volatile PFAS in air

Analysis of trace per- and polyfluorinated organic vapours in air using cryogen-free thermal desorption and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Application Note 158

Recent trends for the analysis of emerging contaminants by GC–MS

Untargeted screening of volatile per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released during the application of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)
Application Note 153

US EPA uses TD–GC–MS for vital research into PFAS management
23 February 2021

Visit our interactive virtual laboratory

Multi-Gas enabled technology for -xr series thermal desorbers
Markes International’s Multi-Gas enabled thermal desorption (TD) instruments have been selected for the prestigious Innovation Awards from The Analytical Scientist – the world’s first range of TD instruments that are independently safety-certified to run using helium, nitrogen or hydrogen as carrier gas in TD–GC–MS workflows.
“Moving from helium to hydrogen for TD makes economic sense, with helium prices increasing rapidly. Many labs who have become frustrated with helium availability will find this product to their liking.”

Ethylene oxide analysis
In 2020, concerns over levels of the carcinogen ethylene oxide found in sesame seeds from India were raised in Belgium. Since then, monitoring ethylene oxide in foods has become vital. Now, thousands of food items with a long shelf-life, such as cereals, chocolate, biscuits, bread, crackers, spices and bagels, are under investigation.
We discuss:
(1) Why is ethylene oxide used in foods?
(2) Why is ethylene oxide unsafe for humans?
(3) Using Centri® for the analysis of ethylene oxide
Latest information

PAMS Analysis during COVID-19 Lockdowns in New York City

Helium shortages – how analytical laboratories can prepare for the future
February 2022

How tube-based thermal desorption can be used to monitor chemical warfare agents at ultra-trace levels
LCGC: The Column, April 2022

The heart of thermal desorption excellence – valve and trap
28 March 2022

Addressing multiple challenges of microplastics analysis using versatile TD–GC–MS – Evaluation of salt samples
Application Note 161

New Schauenburg Analytics Training Academy
17 March 2022

Infographic: Thermal desorption without compromise

Sampling and analysis of volatile PFAS in air

High-throughput analysis of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water using SPME Arrow–trap with multi-step enrichment (MSE)
Application Note 282

Schauenburg Analytics Group
Delivering technical innovations that enhance every aspect of GC–MS workflow
The analytical instrument manufacturers in the Schauenburg Analytics group harness their applications and engineering expertise to improve all aspects of GC workflows. The result is better business and scientific outcomes for both research and commercial laboratories.
The members of Schauenburg Analytics develop technologies that allow scientists around the world to improve sample throughput and maximise the quality of results. With expertise in every area from sample preparation to data-processing, they also provide the ongoing support that laboratories need to achieve success.
Discover more – Deliver more
The technologies produced by our Group companies such as Markes International and SepSolve Analytical range from world-leading thermal desorption, extraction and enrichment platforms to enhanced separation, detection and data-processing tools. Together, these tools enable scientists to discover more about their samples, and to deliver higher throughput for both research and routine applications.
Learn more