Improving the performance of headspace sampling using trap-based preconcentration

Headspace sample injection for GC and GC–MS is used in a variety of applications. However, some aspects of method development for conventional static headspace can be time-consuming.

Injection volume can be limited by injector loop size, injection time or capacity of the injection liner (exceeding the liner volume can cause chromatographic problems). One solution is to use a split flow, but this results in less sample reaching the detector. Balancing these factors can be difficult, adding significant time to method development. This can be overcome by using a focusing trap prior to injection into the GC.

Here, we show how the electrically-cooled, cryogen-free focusing trap in the Centri^® platform allows efficient preconcentration of headspace samples, even for large volumes in splitless mode. 

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