Concept for a MEMS-based GC Chip as a Part of an Easy-to-Use Handheld System

Gas chromatography (GC) is a powerful method to separate different analytes from an unknown mixture. The use of a GC-based analytical system at the point-of-interest is very promising, but also sets high demands. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are typical substances that can be used as indicator substances in environmental sensing, evaluation of food products or assessment of the suitability of recyclates. In order to handle these applications, there is a need for easy-to-use and portable devices. Miniaturized components, like the separation column, are therefore very promising. An overview of miniaturized chip-based GC columns from the literature is given. Based on comparison and evaluation, a new concept is derived and presented. This concept will overcome existing limitations. A future aim is to realize a miniaturized GC separation column based on this result together with other system components into a portable system.