Stability of gaseous volatile organic compounds contained in gas cylinders with different internal wall treatments.

Measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been ongoing for decades to track growth rates and assist in curbing emissions of these compounds into the atmosphere. To accurately establish mole fraction trends and assess the role of these gas-phase compounds in atmospheric chemistry it is essential to have good calibration standards. A necessity and precursor to accurate VOC gas standards are the gas cylinders and the internal wall treatments that aid in maintaining the stability of the mixtures over long periods of time, measured in years.

International comparison of a hydrocarbon gas standard at the picomol per mol level.

Studies of climate change increasingly recognize the diverse influences of hydrocarbons in the atmosphere, including roles in particulates and ozone formation. Measurements of key nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) suggest atmospheric mole fractions ranging from low picomoles per mol (ppt) to nanomoles per mol (ppb), depending on location and compound. To accurately establish mole fraction trends and to relate measurement records from many laboratories and researchers, it is essential to have accurate, stable, calibration standards.