Thermogravimetry-Infrared gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupling (TGA-IR-GC-MS)

• Subject Area: Process Engineering, Technical Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 464532350

In cooperation with three other chairs of the University of Duisburg-Essen the Chair of Mechanical Process Engineering / Water Technology applies for funds for the purchase of a thermogravimetry - infrared - gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy coupling (TGA-IR-GC-MS). The device is additionally equipped with a thermodesorption module, with which low concentrated substances or those with very high boiling points can be bound directly at the exit of the TGA by solid phase adsorption and subsequently analyzed in the GC-MS (TED-GC-MS).An essential field of application of the device is the investigation of adsorbents and catalysts for water treatment, as well as for industrial and analytical purposes. This includes the physical-chemical characterization of known and newly developed materials, but also investigations on the regeneration of loaded adsorbents. In addition to desorption and decomposition temperatures of adsorbates (i.e. molecules deposited on the surface), this technology can also be used to obtain information about the material itself by analyzing the gas fractions released at certain temperatures, thus allowing conclusions to be drawn, for example, about the chemical composition. For example, the device will be used to elucidate fundamental mechanisms in the adsorption of organic molecules on carbon or catalyst surfaces, but also to characterize novel composite materials for photocatalytic applications.The TGA-IR-GC-MS is also ideally suited for the analysis of microplastics in aquatic environments, especially with regard to the adsorption of pollutants on such particles. Furthermore, the device is intended to be used for the thermal analysis of membrane materials for water treatment. The development of novel membrane materials with improved fouling properties, e.g. for the treatment of heavily contaminated water (e.g. from oil production), is in the foreground. In the research field "ventilation and air-conditioning systems" and "automotive interior filters" the device is to be used for the investigation of filters and filter materials. The objectives are to gain further knowledge about the performance, chemical resistance and aging of such materials and to update standards. The analysis and description of the reaction processes during the thermal treatment of adsorbents in an already existing rotary kiln on a laboratory scale by means of IR-GC-MS or TED-GC-MS is to be realized by a connection provided on the device for coupling with the exhaust system of the rotary kiln.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Thermogravimetrie–Infrarot–Gaschromatographie–Massenspektrometrie Kopplung (TGA-IR-GC-MS)
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Leader: Professor Dr.-Ing. Stefan Panglisch