Chip‐Based Gas Chromatography

Abstract

The implementation of microfabrication and nanotechnology methods for gas chromatography ( GC ) components has opened up new applications and design paradigms. These new methods have enabled the realization of a low‐cost, field‐portable, and low‐power GC platform. In this chapter, microfabricated GC (µGC) components (separation columns and detectors) are described. A brief introduction about the established microfabrication techniques is followed by an overview of µGC history dating back to 1979. The main focus of this chapter is the review of different aspects of µGC separation column design, fabrication, coating, and characterization. It touches upon the different aspects of cutting‐edge µGC detectors. The chapter concludes with the state‐of‐the‐art portable µGC systems and an outlook describing the future challenges of this technology.