Multi-inlet comprehensive gas chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry

In its simplest terms mass spectrometry is a technique for weighing compounds or molecules. This is achieved through an initial stage where the neutral compound becomes charged. This is called ionisation, and once ionised, these species (ions) can be separated using magnetic and/or electric fields.

For individual compounds analysis can be simple, but when dealing with mixtures other technologies are required. The mixtures need to be separated to identify the individual components; this is fundamentally separation science and there are a number of different ways to undertake this. The most common is called chromatography, which is a method of separating many different forms of chemical mixtures. Separations can be undertaken using gases or liquids. The combination of chromatography and mass spectrometry affords the most powerful modern day instrumentation for the analysis of complex mixtures.

This proposal will fund a multiple inlets gas chromatography mass spectrometer. This instrumentation will deliver advanced automated sample introduction techniques, separation of complex mixtures and advanced high resolution mass spectrometry to aid compound identification.
The inlets will provide seamless integration and automated sample introduction with no constraints on compatible sample types, e.g. large volume and low volume gases, headspace for gases and vapours above a sample, captured material and a probe to thermally degrade large species, e.g. polymers into measurable components.

Gas chromatography (one column) will afford separation of components in mixtures but for highly complex mixtures, 2-dimensional chromatography (two columns) are needed. The different columns enhance the separation of individual compounds and will separate of overlapping compounds.
High resolution mass measurement is used to determine the chemical formulae of compounds, this allows for species with the same nominal mass to be separated by differences in their chemical formulae.

The combination of cutting edge sample inlets, chromatographic separation and MS capability will deliver qualitative and quantitative analysis of novel and strategically important chemistries across a range of applications, and will be a unique capability within the UK academic sector. It will deliver a system capable of analysing challenging fuels and emissions for trace level materials, and will serve the research of the UK synthetic and catalysis chemistry communities who work with volatile compounds; the UK environmental scientists to detect low level pollutants in complex matrices, air-borne pollutants; and engineers researching the evolution of small organic gases, sulfur etc.

The new strategic equipment will support research across the Southern region. The science from the regional partners (Universities of Bath, Portsmouth, Southampton and Swansea) will develop the capability and subsequently be extended to other academic and industry researchers to form a Centre of Excellence to enable high-priority EPSRC research.

As with any item of research instrumentation, the majority of the societal, commercial or other impact will be realised through the research enabled. We would expect research undertaken using the new instrumentation to have its own, specific pathways to impact (or equivalent) plans.

The impact of the instrumentation will be maximised by prioritising access for high-impact research, and this will be one of the criteria for access, alongside assessments of scientific quality, alignment with EPSRC priorities, timeliness, balance, and training/development opportunities.

The following areas targeted for impact are: (1) Training and educating researchers at a variety of levels about the capabilities of the multi-inlet GCxGC-HRMS and in its practical applications; (2) Publicity, to raise awareness of the potential of the technology, internal and external; (3) Actively managing access to the facility to ensure that both cutting edge research is supported, and that capacity, capability and impact are fully and efficiently exploited.

These will capture latest developments in the field, and ensure that users and prospective users are made aware of the unique capability of the new multi-inlet comprehensive GCxGC-HRMS, understanding the power of the technology and how this can be used to answer specific impactful research questions.

Management of the GCxGC-HRMS instrument is a key component to delivering the impacts of the research it underpins. Standard operating protocols and procedure material will be developed and this will be used to train existing and future users. Advanced one-to-one training will also be provided to key users who may benefit from more in-depth instruction which in turn will open further capacity as they develop into power users. All research outputs from use of the facility will require publication in high impact journals, preferably as open access documents and presented at national and international conferences to maximise the impact to areas of science.

A half-day and one-day symposia will be arranged to showcase the impact of GCxGC-HRMS for academia and industry working with Knowledge Transfer Managers. Engagement with the public and future generations of young scientists is crucial and outreach team who regularly host open days, work shadowing and hands-on activity days.