Combustion Ion Chromatography

The working principle of CIC involves first introducing a known amount of the sample, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous, into the combustion unit. The sample is then completely oxidized by pyrohydrolytic combustion in an oxygen-rich environment at high temperatures, typically up to 1100°C. During this combustion process, any halogens present in the sample are converted into hydrogen halides (HX) and diatomic halogen molecules (X2), while sulfur compounds are converted to sulfur oxides (SOx).

The gaseous combustion products containing these analytes are then transferred to an absorber unit, where they are trapped in an absorption solution containing hydrogen peroxide. In this solution, the HX, X2, and SOx undergo further reactions to form the halide ions (fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide) and sulfate ions, respectively. After this sample preparation step, an aliquot of the absorber solution is automatically injected into an ion chromatograph system.

In the ion chromatograph, the halide and sulfate ions are separated based on their different affinities towards the analytical column’s stationary phase. Finally, the separated ions are detected and quantified using a conductivity detector. By comparing the measured conductivity signals to those of calibration standards, the concentrations of individual halides and sulfur species in the original sample can be determined.

• Analysis of halogen and sulfur content in aircraft components
• Testing of aviation fuels for halogen and sulfur contamination

• Determination of halogen and sulfur levels in automotive fluids and lubricants
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur content in automotive plastics and rubbers

• Monitoring of halogen and sulfur impurities in chemical products
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur content in catalysts and catalyst supports

• Testing of electronic components for halogen and sulfur compliance (RoHS, WEEE)
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur levels in plastics and polymers used in consumer electronics

• Determination of halogen and sulfur content in explosives and propellants
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur residues in ammunition and firearms

• Monitoring of halogen and sulfur levels in fossil fuels and emissions
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur content in energy storage systems

• Forensic analysis of halogen and sulfur traces in criminal investigations
• Testing of evidence for halogen and sulfur contamination

• Analysis of halogen and sulfur content in lighting devices and components
• Testing of LED materials for halogen and sulfur impurities

• Determination of halogen and sulfur levels in medical implants and devices
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur content in surgical instruments and dental materials

• Monitoring of halogen and sulfur impurities in pharmaceutical products
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur content in active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients

• Testing of raw materials for halogen and sulfur contaminants
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur levels in ores and minerals

• Determination of halogen and sulfur content in semiconductor materials and thin films
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur impurities in semiconductor manufacturing processes

• Testing of telecommunication equipment for halogen and sulfur content
• Analysis of halogen and sulfur levels in data storage devices and components

• Automated sample preparation and analysis, enhancing accuracy, precision, and throughput.
• Limited risk of contamination during sample preparation.
• High sensitivity, resulting in low detection limits (sub μg/g levels).
• Simultaneous determination of individual halides and sulfur species.
• Applicability to a wide range of sample matrices, including solids, liquids, and gases.

• Solids: 1-150 mg per analysis
• Liquids: 5-100 μL per analysis
• Gases: Introduction through a gas sampling loop