Sulfur-Selective Detection with the FPD: Current Enigmas, Practical Usage, and Future Directions

Abstract

This article assesses flame-photometric (FPD) sulfur-selective detectors with respect to: known sulfur flame chemistry, response classifications, non-linear response models, response quenching, background sulfur doping effects, capillary column compatibility, suggestions for improvements in current FPDs, and potential alternatives to the FPD available now or in the future. Also described is a phenomenological sulfur-response model that incorporates contributions from sulfur analyte, background sulfur, analyte-derived non-sulfur emissions, background flame species, and quenching effects. Certain common FPD idiosyncrasies are also examined and explained in view of present information.