SURFACE-IONIZATION DETECTOR FOR GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY - CHARACTERISTICS AND APPLICATIONS TO ORGANIC-SUBSTANCES

A newly developed surface ionization detector for gas chromatography is described. The principle of this detector is based on the surface ionization of a suitable substance to positive ions on a platinum emitter (platinum filament) which is electrically heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, e.g., air. The important factors that influence the creation of positive ions include the work function, temperature and atmospheric environment of the platinum emitter, as well as the ionization potential of the chemical species that are eluted from the column and contact the platinum emitter. The detector has a highly selective sensitivity to compounds having a low ionization potential. This report also refers to the analysis of compounds to which the detector has high selectivity and sensitivity.