Material characterization using a Tandem micro-Reactor - GC-MS

This work illustrates how the Tandem micro-Reactor (TMR), when interfaced to a GC-MS, facilitates the rapid characterization of virtually any material: gases, liquids and solids. A TMR has two independently controlled micro-reactors in series. Each micro-reactor has three heating modes: isothermal (up to 900 degrees C), multi-linear (e.g., 100-400 degrees C at 20 degrees C/min) and distinct temperature steps (e.g., 100 degrees C, 200 degrees C, etc.). The TMR can be used for both Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) and detailed component analysis. Three examples illustrate how the TMR-GC-MS can be configured to differentiate or identify virtually any material. (1) Lignin, oak, bagasse and cellulose are easily differentiated using EGA-MS - each material is analyzed directly by simply weighing the sample (<75 mesh) into the sample cup. (2,3) The temperature dependence of ethanol and methanol transformations to ethylene and propylene, respectively, are presented using an online, real-time configuration. The ethylene transformation is also performed using a series of ethanol injections at distinct catalyst temperatures. Lastly, regeneration of the catalyst's surface is performed in-situ, which improves laboratory productive as well as elevating the precision of the data. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.