Novel methods of instrumental analysis using supercritical fluid based systems. An overview

Abstract

The unique properties of supercritical fluids have been successfully exploited in the development of novel hyphenated analytical techniques. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to characterize an intractable deposit from an internal combustion engine valve. Supercritical fluid chromatography–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SFC–FTIR) was used to provide quantitative characterization of a range of polymeric surfactants. Finally, an example of SFE followed by SFC–FTIR is reported.