Nu Instruments | GC-C-IRMS Analysis with the Horizon IRMS and GC Interface
This application note demonstrates the performance of the Horizon IRMS coupled with the Nu GC-Interface for compound-specific carbon isotope analysis. Using a certified n-alkane standard, the study evaluates reproducibility, linearity and analytical accuracy over extended operation.
Gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) enables isotope analysis of individual compounds within complex mixtures. This application note explains how the Horizon IRMS integrates with an Agilent gas chromatograph through a dedicated GC-Interface designed for ease of operation and long reactor life.
To assess system performance, a certified Indiana University n-alkane standard mixture was analysed repeatedly over an eleven-hour period. The test evaluated the reproducibility and accuracy of δ¹³C measurements across compounds spanning a five-fold concentration range.
Results demonstrate excellent stability and analytical confidence. Standard deviations remained below 0.2‰ across all n-alkane compounds, with larger peaks achieving even greater reproducibility. The data also confirm excellent linearity and strong agreement with certified reference values, making the system well suited to demanding GC-C-IRMS applications.
Key Takeaways:
- Certified n-alkane testing demonstrates excellent δ¹³C measurement reproducibility.
- Standard deviations below 0.2‰ confirm stable long-term performance.
- Strong linearity and accuracy support reliable compound-specific isotope analysis.
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