i built a gas chromatograph from scratch. the final product is somewhat operational. let me tell you about it in this not-at-all-comprehensive guide to diy chromatography.
a typical gc consists of a compressor gas tank and valve, injection port, column, oven and sensor. this apparatus includes a 1-gallon air compressor fitted with an air hose, injection port made of brass fittings and a rubber septum, molsieve 13x packed stainless steel column, mq-5 sensor and optional waterbath heated by sous vide cooker. parts were obtained mainly from the home depot, amazon, agilent, or other online laboratory supply resources.
the chromatograph was initially built to try to separate hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide, as well as various other unknown compounds. we tested individual control samples and made a mixed control sample, but the concentration of co and co2 in the samples ended up being below the detection threshold of the sensors. so we focused on visualizing the detectable gasses h2 and c3h8, which separated extremely clearly.
read more about this project and download the poster here:
emma wilmott 