Smart Multi-Dimensional Gas Chromatography

The talk will discuss a 2D and 3D gas chromatograph systems being developed in my laboratory. We developed a novel smart multi-channel two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) micro-gas chromatography ( µGC) architecture that shows promise to significantly improve 2-D  µGC performance. In the smart  µGC design, a non-destructive on-column gas detector and a flow routing system are installed between the first dimensional separation column and multiple second dimensional separation columns. The effluent from the first dimensional column is monitored in real-time and decision is then made to route the effluent to one of the second dimensional columns for further separation. As compared to the conventional 2-D  µGC, the greatest benefit of the smart multi-channel 2-D  µGC architecture is the enhanced separation capability of the second dimensional column and hence the overall 2-D GC performance.

We also developed a complete computer-controlled smart 3-dimensional gas chromatography (3-D GC) system with an automation algorithm. We have demonstrated smart multichannel 2-dimensional GC (2-D GC) architecture consisting of a low-through oncolumn vapor detector and a Ï ow routing module placed between the two columns, which allows for much longer separation times without concern of the wrap-around issue in the conventional GC—GC. In this talk, we introduce the smart 2-D and 3-D GC concept, describe its operation, and demonstrate its feasibility.
Professor Xudong (Sherman) Fan is an Associate Professor in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on using various micro/nano photonic devices, such as high-quality optical resonators, photonic crystals, optical fibers, and nanoparticles, for sensitive detection of biological markers in body fluids (like blood, saliva, or breath) that indicate the occurrence of various diseases such as cancers. These devices can also be field-deployed to rapidly identify biological or chemical threats, and to monitor the chemical levels that reflect the environmental changes. Professor Fan is also interested in bio-inspired photonic devices, where biological processes such as enzymatic cleavage and DNA hybridization are employed to control and manipulate light. He received a PhD in physics/optics from the University of Oregon and has been at Michigan since 2010.