High-speed two-dimensional gas chromatography using microfabricated GC columns combined with nanoelectromechanical mass sensors

We report here for the first time the combination of microfabricated gas chromatography (GC) columns with pneumatic modulation to achieve high-speed comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) using microfabricated components. The GCxGC system is in turn combined with nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) resonator mass sensors that have been coated with a chemically-selective polymer to enhance detection of phosphonate compounds that are useful surrogates for chemical warfare agents (CWA). GC elution peak widths on the order of 20 msec have been achieved. Retention times on the order of 2-4 seconds have been demonstrated for polar compounds, indicating that this microfabricated GCxGC system can be applied for rapid analyses.