Gas diffusion–flow injection interfaces for mass spectrometric and electrochemical detectors

Isotope tracer techniques are widely used in biological, agricultural, chemical and medical research. The use of stable isotopes is not complicated by health hazards, dangers of radiation or time limit for experiments as is the case for radioactive isotopes. However, the analytical methods available for the determination of stable isotopes are much less sensitive, considerably more complicated and time consuming than those for radioactive isotopes. Such methods usually require the use of a mass spectrometer and most employ the combustion technique (Dumas method) for sample presentation. Speciation can be achieved by an isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to a gas chromatograph (GC) and combustion interface. Such instruments are expensive and labour intensive. Additionally, the consumables and catalysts employed are costly. [Continues.]