Combustion Ion Chromatography

Combustion Ion Chromatography Summary

Importance of the Topic

Combustion Ion Chromatography enables precise quantification of halogens and sulfur in any combustible matrix. It addresses critical needs in environmental monitoring, materials compliance (RoHS, WEEE), and quality control where accurate heteroatom analysis is essential.

Objectives and Study Overview

The goal of the technique is to integrate combustion digestion with ion chromatography in a fully automated workflow. This study outlines system design and demonstrates performance across solids, liquids, and gases without prior matrix knowledge or method adaptation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample combustion under argon with oxygen and water via pyrohydrolysis
• Combustion Module from Analytik Jena and Metrohm ion chromatography
• 920 Absorber Module for trapping gaseous analytes into solution
• 930 Compact IC Flex with Metrosep A Supp column for separation
• MMS 5000 autosampler for solid and liquid samples
• LPG/GSS and LPG Gas Modules for high pressure gas analysis
• MagIC Net software for system control, data management, and calibration using MiPT

Results and Discussion

The system achieves recoveries of 95 to 105 percent for halogens and sulfur in standard materials such as polyethylene and coal. Chromatograms show clear separation of chloride, bromide, fluoride, and sulfate within 20 minutes. Automated flame sensor control ensures complete, soot-free combustion and consistent precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Universal application to solids, liquids, and gases without extensive method development
• Simultaneous multi-analyte determination with high throughput and accuracy
• Compliance with ASTM, UOP, FDA, and GLP standards
• Automated calibration, no internal standard required in absorption solution
• Suitable for environmental samples, electronics, fuels, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and food matrices

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include integration with mass spectrometry, miniaturized combustion cells for field use, real-time process monitoring, and AI-driven optimization of combustion and separation parameters to further improve sensitivity and speed.

Conclusion

Combustion Ion Chromatography delivers a robust, automated platform for precise halogen and sulfur analysis across diverse matrices. Its compliance with international standards and high sample throughput make it a valuable tool for research, quality control, and regulatory monitoring.

Reference

• ASTM D7359-14 Total Fluorine, Chlorine and Sulfur in Aromatic Hydrocarbons
• UOP991-13 Chloride, Fluoride, and Bromide in Liquid Organics by CIC
• ASTM D5987-96 Total Fluorine in Coal and Coke by Pyrohydrolysis
• ASTM D7994-17 Total Fluorine, Chlorine, and Sulfur in LPG by CIC