Thermo Scientific Dionex Suppressor Selection Guide

Importance of the topic

The choice of an appropriate suppressor is critical for achieving high sensitivity, low noise, and reliable reproducibility in ion chromatography. Suppressors play a central role in conductivity detection by reducing background conductivity of eluents, enabling trace-level anion and cation analysis across a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical quality control, and industrial process analytics.

Study objectives and overview

• To provide a comprehensive selection guide for Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ suppressors.
• To compare suppressor types (self-regenerating, electrolytically regenerated, chemically regenerated) and their performance characteristics.
• To outline application-driven criteria for suppressor selection based on eluent type, solvent content, detection method, and system compatibility.

Methodology

The guide classifies suppressors by regeneration mechanism:

• Self-regulating (DRS™ 600): dynamically regenerated for general‐purpose anion and cation analysis.
• Electrolytically regenerated (ERS™ 500e, AERS™ 500, SC-CERS™ 500, ERD™ 500): requiring constant-current mode, optimized for specific eluents, high solvent content, or desalting functions.
• Chemically regenerated (CRS™ 500, ACRS-ICE 500): for systems without suppressor power supply or specialized modes such as ion exclusion.

A decision flowchart supports selection based on criteria like gradient use, eluent composition (hydroxide, carbonate, borate, methanesulfonic acid), sample solvent content, linearity requirements, and detector compatibility (non-destructive vs. MS/PCR).

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ICS-6000 HPIC™ System
• Dionex™ Integrion™ HPIC™ System
• Legacy Dionex™ ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System

Main results and discussion

The guide presents part numbers and column dimensions (2 mm, 4 mm, 9 mm) alongside targeted applications:

• DRS 600 suppressors deliver minimal noise for RFIC-EG hydroxide/MSA gradient separations.
• ERS 500e and AERS 500 suppressors support high organic or borate eluents and destructive detectors, maintaining low noise (<1.5 nS).
• CRS 500 series serve platforms lacking power supply, while ACRS-ICE 500 specializes in ion exclusion chromatography.
• SC-CERS 500 salt converter enhances ammonia/amine analysis with linear calibration.
• ERD 500 desalters enable sodium removal prior to MS detection or fraction collection.

The accompanying flowchart guides users to the optimal suppressor based on eluent type, concentration differences, and detector requirements.

Benefits and practical applications

• Improved signal-to-noise ratios and lower detection limits by matching suppressor chemistry to eluent composition.
• Enhanced method robustness in high-solvent or high-salt matrices.
• Simplified system setup via self-regenerating and chemically regenerated options for legacy and modern IC platforms.

Future trends and opportunities

Advancements may include:

• Next-generation suppressor materials for ultra-low noise and broader solvent compatibility.
• Intelligent suppressor modules with predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring.
• Integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry workflows for trace-level ionic contaminants.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Suppressor Selection Guide simplifies the process of matching suppressor technology to specific IC applications. By outlining key performance attributes, system compatibilities, and decision criteria, analysts can optimize sensitivity, reduce noise, and extend instrument longevity across diverse analytical challenges.

References

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Product Specification 70690