Towards a GC-based microsystem for benzene and 1,3 butadiene detection: Pre-concentrator characterization

The performance of a gas pre-concentrator/gas chromatographic column/gas sensor system was studied step by step towards benzene vapor in presence of 1,3 butadiene vapor. The pre-concentrator, based on an activated carbon of high adsorption capacity, was first characterized using a GC/FID system. By this way, the adsorption capacity of each pollutant was evaluated, first separately, then mixed with different proportions in air. It was shown that the affinity of the pre-concentrator for benzene was higher than for butadiene. Once the optimal pre-concentration parameters were adjusted, we replaced the FID detector by a metal oxide gas sensor. The use of such gas pre-concentrator allowed decreasing the detection limit of the system towards benzene in presence of butadiene by at least ten times.