Accurate and Repeatable CO2 Analysis Using a Jetanizer on a Shimadzu 2030 GC

Significance of the Topic

Carbon dioxide is an important analyte in environmental and industrial monitoring; FID’s inability to detect CO2 directly limits its use. Traditional methanizers improve sensitivity but are cumbersome, prone to catalyst poisoning, and require complex maintenance. The Jetanizer offers an integrated, in situ catalytic conversion within the FID jet, streamlining CO2 analysis and preserving high sensitivity.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note demonstrates the performance of a 3D-printed, stainless steel Jetanizer installed on a Shimadzu 2030 GC/FID for accurate and repeatable quantification of CO2. Using a pentane internal standard, the study assesses precision, accuracy, and operational benefits compared to conventional methanizer systems.

Methodology

• Conversion Principle: CO and CO2 are hydrogenated in situ within the FID jet to methane, enabling detection by FID with high sensitivity (~10−12 g C/s).
• Quantification Strategy: CO2 concentration is determined relative to pentane internal standard using the ratio of peak areas corrected for carbon atom counts.
• Operating Conditions:
  • GC: Shimadzu 2030 with split/splitless inlet, HP-5MS UI column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm), isothermal at 40 °C.
  • Carrier gas: Helium (2.6 sccm); Sample loop: 250 μL.
  • FID: Temperature 400 °C; H2 35 sccm; Air 350 sccm; Makeup gas He 24 sccm.

Instrumentation Used

• Shimadzu 2030 GC with split/splitless front inlet and VICI six-port gas sampling loop.
• ARC Jetanizer JT-SHZ-CP2 installed directly at FID inlet.
• Flame Ionization Detector with integrated hydrogen/air supplies.
• Standard gas: CO2 (1.007 mol%) and pentane (0.1997 mol%) in nitrogen.

Main Results and Discussion

• Precision: Ten replicate injections yielded RSDs of 0.13% (CO2) and 0.14% (pentane), indicating excellent repeatability.
• Accuracy: Measured CO2 concentration (1.021 mol%) deviated by 1.4%, within the 2% error of the calibration standard.
• Chromatographic Performance: Sharp, well-resolved peaks for CO2 and pentane were observed with minimal band broadening.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Simplified Operation: Eliminates external methanizer reactor and associated warm-up and maintenance requirements.
• Enhanced Reliability: In situ catalyst protected from poisoning, reducing downtime and service interventions.
• Broad Utility: Suitable for air monitoring, waste analysis, reaction monitoring, drinking water testing, and TOGA (Total Organic Gas Analysis).

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Expanded Integration: Adaptation to other GC platforms and detectors for multi-analyte workflows.
• Advanced Reactor Designs: Refinement of 3D-printed geometries and catalyst formulations to extend analyte scope.
• Automation and Data Analytics: Coupling with software for automated calibration, diagnostics, and remote monitoring.
• Field Deployable Systems: Development of portable GC-FID units with Jetanizer for on-site environmental and process control.

Conclusion

The Jetanizer on the Shimadzu 2030 GC/FID provides a robust, accurate, and user-friendly solution for CO2 analysis. Its in situ methanation improves sensitivity and reduces operational complexity compared to conventional methanizers, delivering high precision and low detection limits across diverse analytical applications.

References

• Activated Research Company. Quantification with the Polyarc® System Application Note.
• Tommy Saunders. Accurate and Repeatable CO2 Analysis Using a Jetanizer on a Shimadzu 2030 GC. Application Note PA-APP-2030, April 2020.