Microfabricated Thermal Modulator for Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography

本研究旨在开发低功耗、低成本、稳健的二维气相色谱所需的关键微机电系统（MEMS）器件。该项目的具体目标是：(a)在理论建模的基础上对控制微尺度热调制的物理和化学有很好的理解，(b)开发一种新的基于mems的热调制器（microTM）器件设计，使其能够实现理论上预测的最大峰值容量和最小峰值突破的2D GC系统，(c)制造设计的ìTM并通过实验表征其性能，以及(d)最后，在确定了最佳操作条件的情况下，结合二维气相色谱的micrTM具有最高的化合物分离性能。随着microTM的发展，我们的研究将为利用MEMS技术实现全面的二维气相色谱提供第一步。不难想象，二维气相色谱系统分离能力的提高将为样品中挥发性有机化合物的高度可靠和准确的原位监测/检测铺平道路，即使含有复杂的共污染物背景。该项目将对微分析仪器做出重要贡献，最终用于现场可部署的GC分析。更广泛的影响：考虑到成本效益，microTM完全消除了2D GC的耗材，将填补目前相对有限的使用和未来2D GC技术在广泛应用中的普遍使用之间的空白，潜在地打开新的商业市场。从这项研究中获得的基础知识将被吸收到PI的MEMS和化学传感研究生课程中。来自代表性不足群体的暑期实习生将通过与NSF国家纳米技术基础设施网络（NNIN）项目的协同协调进行培训。

This research aims to develop a key microelectromechanical systems(MEMS) device necessary for low-power, low-cost, robust 2D GC. The specific objectives of thisproject are to (a) develop a good understanding of the physics and chemistry governing themicroscale thermal modulation based on theoretical modeling, (b) develop a new MEMS-basedthermal modulator (microTM) device design such that it enables a 2D GC system that achievestheoretically predicted maximum peak capacity and minimum peak breakthrough, (c) fabricate thedesigned ìTM and experimentally characterize its performance, and (d) finally, demonstrate micrTM incorporating2D GC with the highest compound separation performance with optimal operational conditions determined.Intellectual Merit: With the development of the microTM, our study will provide the first step towardsfully implementing comprehensive 2D GC with MEMS technology. It is readily conceivable that theimproved separation power of 2D GC systems would pave the way for highly reliable and accuratein-situ monitoring/detection of VOCs in a sample even containing complex co-contaminantbackgrounds. This project will make important contributions to micro analytical instrumentation forultimate use in field-deployable GC analyses.Broader Impact: Together with cost effectiveness, complete elimination of consumables from the 2D GCoperation with the microTM would fill the gap between the current relatively limited use and futuregeneral use of the 2D GC technique in a wide spectrum of applications, potentially opening newcommercial markets. The fundamental knowledge gained from this research will be assimilated intothe PI's graduate course on MEMS and chemical sensing. Summer interns from underrepresented groups will be trained through synergeticcoordination with the NSF National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) program.