TG 309 Libra® Coupled to GC-MS
Evolved Gas Analysis with Maximum Selectivity
Highlights
Thermal Analysis Coupled with GC-MS – Clear Identification Down to the Last Molecule
The GC-MS coupling transforms the TG 309 Libra® into a powerful analytical system for highly selective evolved gas analysis. The combination of thermogravimetry with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry enables effective separation and reliable identification of even complex gas mixtures released during thermal decomposition. While other spectroscopic methods cannot separate components before identification, GC-MS—thanks to its initial chromatographic step—enables reliable distinction of even chemically similar or simultaneously released species by their retention time and characteristic ion patterns.
The compact and smart interface design ensures efficient transfer of the evolved gases from the TGA furnace into the GC-MS system. Heated capillaries and optimized flow paths minimize memory effects and prevent condensation. This guarantees fast response, sharp chromatographic peaks and reliable detection of volatile, semi-volatile and reactive compounds.
The TG 309 Libra® coupled to GC-MS fits perfectly into research and industrial environments, providing a strong tool for quality assurance, polymer and material development, formulation analysis, decomposition studies and forensic applications.
Existing TG 309 Libra® Supreme or Select systems can be upgraded with the GC-MS coupling at any time.
Coupling a NETZSCH TGA with a Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) system enables simultaneous measurement of mass changes and detailed analysis of evolved gases. While the TGA records mass changes during thermal events, the gas chromatograph (GC) first separates the evolved gases based on their retention time to the stationary phase. The mass spectrometer (MS) then analyzes the ionized fragments of these separated gases according to their mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio.
This powerful combination provides deep insight into decomposition processes, reaction pathways, and complex gas mixtures.
Method
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Coupled to Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis monitors mass changes and thermal events across wide temperature ranges. However, to fully understand the chemical reactions and identify the compounds released during these processes, the evolved gases must be separated and analyzed. Coupling TGA with GC-MS closes this gap: gas chromatography separates overlapping components, while mass spectrometry provides molecular fingerprints for reliable identification.
NETZSCH Proteus® software manages the entire process — controlling sampling, injection timing, and data synchronization — so thermal analysis and GC-MS results are automatically linked. This preserves the complete temperature–time relationship between TGA curves, chromatograms, and mass spectra, delivering clear, correlated insights without the need for external software.
Smart Gas Injection for Efficient GC-MS Coupling
Because GC separation requires time that depends on sample and column conditions, a continuous online gas feed is not suitable for effective analysis. NETZSCH addresses this with a quasi-continuous coupling via a heated valve system for software-controlled sampling and short-interval injections managed by Proteus®®. The injected (or split) gas passes through the GC column and then—after pressure reduction—enters the quadrupole MS as a molecular beam. The column can run at constant temperature for quasi-continuous mode or with a temperature program for event-triggered runs. The MS records a TIC (Total Ion Current) chromatogram versus retention time, and each peak is analyzed to identify the corresponding volatile species.
Multi-Injection and Cryo Trap Mode
A cryo trap is a device used in gas analysis systems to condense and collect volatile compounds at very low temperatures. As illustrated in the image on the left, during the TGA or STA measurement, the outer jacket of the cryo trap is cooled with liquid nitrogen (cooling phase) to condense and concentrate volatile outgassing compounds. Once gas collection is complete, the trap is rapidly heated using the built-in heating cartridge (heating phase), releasing the concentrated gases in a sharp pulse for injection into the GC column.
Specifications
Gas Sampling & Injection
Heated Transfer Line
GC-MS Detection
TG 309 Libra® Coupled to GC-MS – Optimized Gas Transfer
The TG 309 Libra®–GC-MS coupling provides a fully heated gas path from the thermobalance to the valve box and GC injector, with the furnace adapter heated up to 400 °C and the glass-lined steel transfer line up to 350 °C. An integrated flow-control system ensures forced flow through the sampling loop for reliable, loss-free transfer. The valve-based, double-loop injector permits short injection intervals and is fully integrated into Proteus®® software. Special thermal insulation prevents cold spots throughout the system. The setup connects easily to any standard GC S/SL injector and can be switched quickly between TG coupling and conventional GC applications such as liquid sampling. For maximum flexibility, the column can be bypassed for direct MS coupling.
GC–MS Platform: Flexible, Fast, and Service-Proven
The GC supports split, splitless, and pulsed split injections, an oven temperature up to 450 °C, optional fast column changes without venting the MS, and a choice of application-specific columns. The MS offers a mass range up to 1011 u, scan rates up to 20,000 u/s, tool-free servicing (including simplified ion-source maintenance), and multiple ionization modes (EI, CI, PI). It can also operate as a stand-alone detector. For GC-MS coupling, NETZSCH partners with world-renowned suppliers Agilent and JEOL, ensuring top-tier hardware, service quality, and optimized performance for NETZSCH systems.
Proven Excellence im Service
NETZSCH Analysieren & Prüfen bietet Ihnen weltweit ein umfassendes Angebot an Services, um die optimale Leistung und Langlebigkeit Ihrer thermoanalytischen Geräte zu gewährleisten. Wir helfen Ihnen dabei, die Effektivität Ihrer Geräte zu maximieren, ihre Lebensdauer zu verlängern und Ausfallzeiten zu minimieren.
Schöpfen Sie das volle Potenzial Ihrer Geräte mit unseren maßgeschneiderten Lösungen aus, die auf jahrelanger Branchenerfahrung und Innovation beruhen.
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