JEOL Resources

Why GC-Alpha

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:16:46 GMT

GC-Alpha combines high-resolution accurate mass, multiple ionization techniques, comprehensive GC×GC capability, and AI-assisted structural analysis to help scientists identify unknown compounds and better understand complex samples with speed and confidence.

Looking Deeper into Pyrolysis Oil - An integrated workflow for characterizing complex chemical compositions

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:13:40 GMT

Pyrolysis oil, produced from waste plastics and rubber, is attracting growing attention as an alternative fuel and as a valuable raw material for recycled plastics. As industries continue to move toward a circular economy, reliable characterization of pyrolysis oil has become increasingly important.

One of the biggest analytical challenges is the complexity of pyrolysis oil. It contains hundreds of compounds with different chemical properties, many of which are unknown or present at very low concentrations. These complex mixtures are often difficult to fully characterize using conventional GC-MS because compounds can co-elute, complicating separation and identification.

To overcome these challenges, this study combines comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HRTOFMS), complementary EI/FI ionization, and AI-assisted structure analysis with msFineAnalysis AI.

Choosing an Ionization Approach for Complex Hydrocarbon Analysis

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:09:24 GMT

By selecting the appropriate combination of GC separation, hard ionization, soft ionization, and direct MS measurement, scientists can obtain a more complete view of complex hydrocarbon samples than would be possible using a single method alone.

JEOL Gas Chromatograph – Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) Primer

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:15:44 GMT

What is a Gas Chromatograph – Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)? Learn more in this guidebook written by our experts. Click on the link below.

Examining detection sensitivity of EI-FI and PI ion sources using nitrogen as a GC carrier gas MSTips 299

Tue, 17 May 2022 11:45:15 GMT

MSTips No. 299

Abstract

The global helium shortage is a very serious issue that is affecting a variety of scientific research organizations that utilize this gas for their work. In particular, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a widely used analytical technique that traditionally uses helium as the GC carrier gas. Consequently, it has become critical to identify other carrier gases for GC-MS in order to minimize the effects of the helium shortage. Previously, we changed the GC-MS carrier gas from helium (He) to nitrogen (N2) to determine how this affects sensitivity when using the dedicated EI ion source. The results showed that the detection sensitivity for N2 as the GC carrier gas was 1/18 of the level when compared to He. In this work, we compare sensitivity levels when using the combination EI/FI and EI/PI ion sources when He and N2 are used as the GC carrier gas.

Please click below to read more.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS)

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 20:08:20 GMT

Mass spectrometers are commonly combined with separation devices such as gas chromatographs (GC) and liquid chromatographs (LC). The GC or LC separates the components in a mixture, and the components are introduced, one by one, into the mass spectrometer. MS/MS is an analogous technique where the first-stage separation device is another mass spectrometer.

MS Elemental Composition Calculations and Their Interpretation

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 20:05:12 GMT

Accurate mass measurements are frequently used to determine the elemental composition for molecular and fragment ions. These measurements are normally obtained by acquiring a high resolution mass spectrum so that the masses are measured for a single species and not measured for unresolved or partially resolved peaks.

Mass Spectrometers - A Short Explanation for the Absolute Novice

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 20:01:56 GMT

What does a mass spectrometer do? What are mass spectrometers used for? What does the mass tell us? How does a mass spectrometer work?

Download the document below to read more, or visit our dedicated webpage here.

How Resolution Is Defined

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 19:58:55 GMT

Several different definitions of resolution are used in mass spectrometry. It is useful to understand the distinctions between the different definitions to understand the characteristics of different mass spectrometers.

Summary of the characteristics of different mass analyzers

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 06:29:58 GMT

All mass spectrometers combine ion formation, mass analysis, and ion detection. This discussion is concerned with how various mass analyzers are used to separate ions according to their massto- charge ratio. Each mass analyzer has its own special characteristics and applications and its own benefits and limitations. The choice of mass analyzer should be based upon the application, cost, and performance desired. There is no ideal mass analyzer that is good for all applications. For an excellent and more complete discussion of mass analyzers, see "The Ideal Mass Analyzer: Fact or Fiction?" (Curt Brunnee, Int. J. Mass Spectrom. Ion Proc. 76 (1987), 125-237.