Systematic Investigation of the Sorption Properties of Tenax TA, Chromosorb 106, Porapak N, and Carbopak F

A variety of sorbents is available for the sampling of airborne organic pollutants. However, choosing the right sorbent for a certain analytical target is still a challenge. Here we present a systematic sorption study for a diverse set of up to 200 compounds at temperatures between 40 and 250 degrees C for four frequently used sorbents: Tenax TA, Chromosorb 106, Porapak N, and Carbopack F. The experimental data are used to calibrate a polyparameter linear free energy relationship (pp-LFER) for each sorbent which allows one to predict the safe sample volume and the complete sample elution volume of chemicals not tested here at any desirable temperature.