Inverse Gas Chromatography as a Tool for Surface and Thermodynamic Characterization
5th International Conference on Recent and Innovative Results in Engineering and Technology ICRIRET 2026, Konya, Turkey, 25 - 26 August 2026, pp.78-80, (Summary Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
- City: Konya
- Country: Turkey
- Page Numbers: pp.78-80
- Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) provides direct molecular-level insights into solid surfaces
where traditional characterization techniques fall short. Unlike standard gas chromatography, the material of interest serves as the stationary phase, while injected volatile probe vapors act as sensitive reporters of interfacial phenomena. Under infinite dilution conditions, probe–probe interactions remain negligible, ensuring that measured retention volumes strictly reflect intrinsic surface energetics and thermodynamic parameters at the solid–gas interface. Extending measurements to finite concentration regimes further unlocks surface energy heterogeneity profiles, specific surface area estimations, and complete adsorption
isotherms under precisely controlled relative humidity and temperature conditions.
Using homologous series of n-alkanes alongside established Schultz or Dorris–Gray models, IGC reliably isolates the dispersive component of surface energy. Concurrently, polar probes reveal specific interactions such as hydrogen bonding and Lewis acid–base properties via Gutmann descriptors. Beyond energetic mapping, the technique accurately determines thermodynamic parameters, including infinite-dilution activity coefficients, enthalpies of sorption, and Flory–Huggins interaction parameters. These comprehensive metrics make IGC exceptionally suited for evaluating polymer miscibility, phase transitions, diffusion kinetics, competitive adsorption mechanisms, and post-modification surface states.
Consequently, the method finds extensive utility across pharmaceutical powders, reinforcing fibers, porous adsorbents, catalysts, and functionalized carbon matrices. By bridging chromatographic retention behavior with rigorous interfacial thermodynamics, IGC remains an indispensable, quantitative approach for linking surface chemistry to macroscopic processing performance and product stability.