Answer
Detectors in Gas Chromatography
Types of Detectors Used in Gas Chromatography
๐ฅ Flame Ionization Detector (FID)
Detects organic compounds by ionizing them in a hydrogen-air flame and measuring the resulting current.
Sensitivity: High for hydrocarbons
Selectivity: Only organic compounds (non-responsive to HโO, COโ, Nโ)
Note: Destructive detector, widely used for organic analysis.
๐ก Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)
Measures change in thermal conductivity of carrier gas due to presence of analyte.
Sensitivity: Moderate; universal detection
Selectivity: Non-selective
Note: Non-destructive and simple to use.
๐งช Electron Capture Detector (ECD)
Uses a radioactive source to detect electronegative compounds (e.g., halogens) by capturing electrons.
Sensitivity: Very high for halogenated compounds
Selectivity: Electron-capturing species
Note: Ideal for environmental pollutants; requires handling of radioactive material.
๐จ Nitrogen-Phosphorus Detector (NPD/TSD)
A modified FID that is selective for nitrogen and phosphorus compounds using a specialized bead.
Sensitivity: High for N and P compounds
Selectivity: Nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing molecules
Note: Common in pesticide and drug residue analysis.
๐ฌ Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Ionizes analytes and measures their mass-to-charge ratio for identification and quantification.
Sensitivity: Extremely high with structural information
Selectivity: Universal and precise
Note: Expensive and requires expert handling.
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Summary Comparison
Detector |
Sensitivity |
Selectivity |
Destructive |
Typical Use |
FID |
High |
Organic compounds |
Yes |
Hydrocarbons, general organics |
TCD |
Moderate |
Universal |
No |
Inorganic/organic mixtures |
ECD |
Very High |
Electronegative species |
No |
Halogenated pesticides, pollutants |
NPD |
High |
Nitrogen and phosphorus |
Yes |
Pesticides, drugs |
MS |
Very High |
Universal (structural info) |
Yes |
Identification and quantification |