Using a Composite Membrane for Enhanced Sensitivity and Faster Response in On-line Membrane Extraction Microtrap Gas Chromatography

On-line membrane extraction microtrap (OLMEM) gas chromatography was used for continuous monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water. The aqueous sample flowed through tubular membrane and the VOCs selectively permeated through it. The permeated VOCs were stripped by a carrier gas and transported to a microtrap. The microtrap retained and concentrated the analytes before injecting into a GC. In this study, the performance of a composite membrane was compared with that of a conventional silicone membrane. The advantages of using the composite membrane were higher extraction efficiency and shorter response time. Extraction efficiencies as high as 95% were obtained for compounds such as toluene and trichloroethane.