Comparison of Tenax Ta and Carbotrap for sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds in air

Dynamic recovery data with a simple test system show that many volatile organic compounds (VOC) found in trace amounts in air can be determined quantitatively by adsorption on Tenax TA or Carbotrap and thermal desorption. Tenax TA seems to be inert towards the compounds tested as opposed to Carbotrap, on which α-pinene and aldehydes show some reactivity. Compounds with higher boiling points up to 270°C could be quantitatively desorbed from Tenax TA, but not from Carbotrap. For very volatile organic compounds and various polar VOC, substantial losses, most probably due to breakthrough, were observed on both adsorbents. Therefore, for an overview of all VOC in air, additional adsorbents or methods must be considered.