A portable gas chromatograph for real-time monitoring of aromatic volatile organic compounds in air samples.

We describe the design and performance evaluation of a portable gas chromatograph suitable for the analysis of volatile organic and odorous compounds at trace levels. The system comprises a carbon nanotube sponge preconcentrator, an electronic pressure control (EPC) unit, a temperature-programmable column module, and a fast-response photoionization detector. A built-in tablet computer controls instrumental parameters and chromatogram display functions.

Carbon nanotube sponges as an enrichment material for aromatic volatile organic compounds.

Sensitive methods are required for in situ monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, carbon nanotube (CNT) sponges were investigated as a new type of adsorbent for enriching trace aromatic VOCs. A square pillar configuration (3 mm × 3 mm × 45 mm, 5 mg) of a CNT sponge was enclosed in a glass tube (4 mm i.