Impact of the Oil Matrix on Anionic and Nonionic Surfactant Separation Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Hyphenated to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

For the first time, to our knowledge, anionic and nonionic surfactants were analyzed in oil matrix by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography hyphenated to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The feasibility of their analysis was studied using synthetic 2 mixtures of surfactants prepared in water (Quality controls), in a binary THF/Toluene 50/50 v/v (Surfactant+THF/Toluene) and in a binary THF/Toluene containing 1 and 10% of crude oil (Crude1% and Crude10%). These compositions were chosen in order to be as close as possible to petroleum related samples to be investigated in the future. Analyses were carried out by UHPLC methods using both reverse phase and anion-exchange mechanisms with a mixed mode column.Despite the complexity of the oil matrix and the presence of organic solvents used for dilution, the retention times of the surfactants were not affected whatever the concentration of crude oil present in the sample. Nevertheless, a significant matrix effect caused a loss of signal when the concentration of oil reached 10% in mass. For the analysis of samples with this crude oil concentration range, it would be advisable to dilute the sample.The present study was a first insight into the behavior of the HRMS hyphenated to LC for the analysis of surfactants in petroleum matrices. It should be of interest to complete this study by an investigation of the long-term impact of crude oil in a routine use.

Analytics Driving Kinetics: Advanced Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Petroleum Products

“…On the other hand, the comprehensive technique has an advantage of an excellent separation of the classes, which makes GC × GC a preferred tool for the quantification of individual components. HRMS 170,231,[431][432][433][434] is considered an important analytical technique due to its ability to determine structure and elemental composition of crude oil constituents. When assisted by MS/MS techniques, structural information can be obtained from mass sequences and trends associated with heteroatom content.…”

“…HRMS ,,− is considered an important analytical technique due to its ability to determine the structure and elemental composition of crude oil constituents. When assisted by MS/MS techniques, structural information can be obtained from mass sequences and trends associated with heteroatom content.…”

Virtual Special Issue of the 21st International Conference on Petroleum Phase Behavior and Fouling (PetroPhase2020)

“…Three distinctive structural features were identified for interfacial materials, and a hypothetical structure was proposed on the basis of multiple analytical techniques. Dufour et al 35 analyze the anionic and non-ionic surfactants by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC−HRMS) and obtained important insight into the behavior of LC−HRMS in the analysis of surfactants in petroleum matrices. Combariza and co-workers 36 report novel amidated cellulose nanofibrils as demulsifying agents for a natural water-in-heavy-crude-oil emulsion.…”