Configuring a combustion-ion chromatography system using a complete workflow

Importance of the Topic

The accurate determination of total halogens and sulfur in complex matrices is critical for environmental monitoring, polymer quality control, and regulatory compliance, including screening for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Conventional ion chromatography (IC) requires aqueous samples free of interferences, whereas combustion‐ion chromatography (C‐IC) simplifies analysis by thermally converting analytes to ionic forms in a single workflow.

Study Objectives and Overview

This technical note describes the configuration and operation of the Thermo Scientific™ Cindion™ Combustion Ion Chromatography System in a complete workflow. The goals include:

• Illustrating instrumentation setup for solids, liquids, and gas samples
• Detailing method development for U.S. EPA Method 1621 (adsorbable organic fluorine)
• Presenting cleaning, conditioning, and calibration procedures to achieve trace‐level performance

Methodology and Instrumentation

The workflow integrates offline sample preparation with in‐line combustion and IC analysis:

• Sample preparation: Cindion Combustion/Absorption Module and optional Adsorption Module for PFAS screening
• Autosampler: Cindion Solids/Liquids Autosampler configurable for boats or vials
• Combustion: Z-fold quartz combustion tube heated to ~1050 °C with controlled O₂/Ar flows
• Absorption: Peristaltic pump introducing water or H₂O₂ for halogen and sulfur trapping
• IC detection: Dionex Inuvion RFIC System with eluent generation, electrolytic trap, suppressor, and optional eluent monitor

Main Results and Discussion

Key performance metrics and observations:

• Baseline contamination for fluoride (no‐cup injections) below 0.06 µS-min, meeting EPA limits after six cycles
• Reproducible halogen and sulfur recovery demonstrated in polymers, tea, and wastewater matrices
• Efficient adsorption of organofluorine on GAC columns with clear blank levels three times lower than the lowest standard
• Flexible sequencing in Chromeleon CDS for solids, liquids, and gas samples with automated transitions and ePanel control

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated Cindion C-IC system offers:

• Direct measurement of total halogens and sulfur in challenging matrices without extensive sample cleanup
• Compliance with U.S. EPA Method 1621 for PFAS screening via adsorbable organic fluorine
• High sensitivity (µg/L level) and robustness through systematic cleaning and conditioning protocols
• Versatility for solids, liquids, and compressed or liquefied gas samples

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include:

• Integration with high‐resolution mass spectrometry for compound‐specific halogen analysis
• Automated online adsorption and regeneration for continuous environmental monitoring
• Miniaturized combustion cells and microfluidic absorption paths to reduce reagent consumption
• AI‐driven predictive maintenance of the combustion and adsorption modules

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Cindion C-IC system provides a turnkey solution for total halogen and sulfur analysis across diverse sample types, streamlining workflows from offline preparation through combustion and IC detection. Its compliance with regulatory methods and adaptability make it a powerful tool for environmental, industrial, and quality‐control laboratories.

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