Combustion ion chromatography

What is CIC used for?

CIC is commonly used to test for sulfur and halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine) in various sample types, including natural and synthetic petrochemicals (oils, fuels, lubricants) and polymers (especially those used in consumer goods). Samples can be solids, liquids, powders, gels, or gasses.

Perhaps the most notable application of CIC is total organic fluorine (TOF) analysis. TOF testing is performed to estimate the presence of fluorine-containing compounds, which in turn can be used as an indirect indication of the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), contaminants known for their toxicity and persistence.

How does combustion ion chromatography work?

In CIC, the sample is pyrolyzed, i.e., broken down by heat, in the presence of humidified oxygen. Any volatile compounds that are produced are captured by an absorbing solution, which is passed through the ion chromatograph. This will separate and characterize the different ions in the solution, providing information on the makeup of the sample.

Advantages and limitations of CIC in PFAS analysis

CIC offers a quick and efficient method of detecting fluoride ions in a sample, making it an excellent initial screening method in PFAS analysis. CIC is often used to estimate the potential presence of PFAS before further analysis with targeted methods, such as LC-MS/MS, and is especially useful when the identity of individual PFAS compounds contained in the sample is unknown.

The non-selective nature of CIC is its major drawback in PFAS analysis; while it will detect the presence of fluoride in samples, it won’t provide further information on the specific compounds. Therefore, obtaining a comprehensive overview of PFAS content within a sample will require combining CIC with LC/MS-MS. This is also the recommended approach for verifying PFAS-free statements.

Need CIC analyses?

Measurlabs offers combustion ion chromatography testing for reliable screening of total organic fluoride. Sample batches ranging from tens to hundreds are processed efficiently with consistent quality and on-time delivery. More than 1,000 companies already trust Measurlabs for accurate results and dependable service. Request a quote for your project using the form below.