Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Moisture anomaly in analysis of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es60113a007· OSTI ID:7350860

Preliminary results using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) to measure peroxyacetyl nitrate have shown particular anomalies when calibrating and measuring low ppb levels of PAN. At constant concentrations (10 or 100 ppb) of PAN but with changing humidities (0--100 percent), a definite instrument response change was observed. Maximum response was obtained at 100 percent relative humidity. Humidities below 30 percent resulted in much lower response values. The possibility of erroneous measurements with the electron-capture analysis of PAN in ambient air can occur unless the proper experimental precautions are observed.

Research Organization:
Washington State Univ., Pullman
OSTI ID:
7350860
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 10:2; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English