GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF ORGANOMETALLIC COMPOUNDS WITH ATOMIC-EMISSION DETECTION

We describe the effect of a modified gas chromatography-atomic emissio n detection (GC-AED) instrumental setup on the analysis of organometal lic compounds. It is shown that the installment of an additional makeu p gas flow positively effects the performance of the Hewlett Packard ( HP) atomic emission detector. In addition, a partially sealed transfer line capillary end providing a narrowed central flow substantially im proved the sensitivity. Lower detectable levels were achieved for seve ral of the investigated elements. The parameters makeup gas flow, addi tional makeup gas flow, and transfer line outlet diameter were optimiz ed and their effects on the peak shapes and detectable levels were eva luated. GC-AED analysis was performed for the first time for the speci ation of volatile metal-containing compounds present in diesel particu late matter. Compounds containing iron, chromium, and manganese were s uccessfully detected. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.