Gulf Coast Conference: A Preview of the 2024 Poster Presentations

During the 2024 Gulf Coast Conference, which will take place October 15–16, 2024 in Galveston, Texas, scientists will present posters displaying their research. Below is a selection of posters that attendees can view at the conference.

Galveston Texas from the air | Image Credit: © eric - stock.adobe.com

Separation of Neopentane in Hydrocarbon Mixture Using Helium and Hydrogen Carrier Gas–Facilitated by ProEZGC Chromatogram Modeling

Neopentane is an impurity that can be found in C4 hydrocarbon streams, such as 1,3-butadiene, n-butane, and butylene. This substance is used in various applications, from producing adhesives, paints and inks to being a blowing agent in polystyrene foam production. Though neopentane analysis is performed more frequently than in the past, chemists can face difficulties in separating them from other hydrocarbons due to column limitations. In this study, Restek’s ProEZGC platform has been expanded to include PLOT functionality, which will allow users to accurately model retention characteristics and optimize gas chromatography (GC) conditions without timely trial-and-error. With this approach, Erica Pack of Restek will describe her use of this system for separating neopentane in hydrocarbon mixtures, using both helium and hydrogen as carrier gases.

Screening for PFAS by Determining AOF with Pyrohydrolytic Combustion IC: Our Lab’s Results from EPA 1621 Collaboration Study

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used extensively across various industries, though their environmental hazard and health concerns have created a need for a proper analytical screening method. According to Terri Christison and Neil Rumachik of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the authors of this study, combustion ion chromatography (CIC) can eliminate a sample matrix and determine the concentration of halogens and sulfur present. In this poster, they share their results from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency draft Method 1621 collaboration study, where CIC was used to determine adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) captured on granular activated carbon. Further, they highlight method validation, analysis of wastewater samples, and recovery results of the PFAS standard.

Group-Type Quantitation of Hydrocarbons in Aviation Fuel Using GC×GC–FID

To ensure quality control and determine the effects of processes in fuel production, accurate hydrocarbon composition of finished fuels, such as aviation fuel, is required. This becomes more important when developing novel renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). In this poster, Khaled Murtada of SepSolve Analytical demonstrates the use of flow-modulated multidimensional gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GCxGC–FID) and automated group-type data processing (as shown in ASTM Method D8396) to provide fast and accurate quantitative information on hydrocarbon composition. Further, he also demonstrates a dual-channel configuration where two samples can be simultaneously analyzed to double productivity.

HPLC Analysis of Additives in Soft Drinks Using an Environmentally-Friendly Mobile Phase

Ethanol is a common mobile phase in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). While reagent-grade ethanol is perfect for this type of analysis, it can also create hazardous waste. A potentially “Greener Method” would be using food-grade commercially available ethanol, since it can be disposed of down a drain; therefore, in terms of disposal and initial purchase costs, this would be a suitable option for food product analysis. In this study, led by Ryan Lau of Texas A&M University, using Tito’s Homemade Vodka as a mobile phase, a standard solution containing six compounds commonly found in soft drinks was analyzed, in hopes of determining if using commercially available ethanol will yield suitable results.

Reference

(1) 2024 Posters. Gulf Coast Conference 2024. https://www.gulfcoastconference.com/posters.php (accessed 2024-9-26) https://www.gulfcoastconference.com/posters.php