30th Anniversary of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography: Latest advances

In this review, we report on the latest (2020-Early 2021) instrumental advances and applications of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC), including its hyphenation with novel upstream or downstream processes (sample preparation approaches or detection technologies). We also discuss software and analysis workflow developments necessary to elaborate the dense chemical information obtained. Thirty years after its inception, the use of GCxGC, as the main analytical tool or as a complementary platform, is undoubtedly shifting toward more applied challenges in a vast breadth of applications. Therefore, we consider the major fields (energy, fuel, foodstuff, plant, biological, and environmental) in which GCxGC has been successfully used, discussing some of the recent innovative research works.

Automated summary

The latest instrumental advances and applications of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) are discussed in this review. The hyphenation with novel processes, software developments, and its shift towards more applied challenges are highlighted. GCxGC has been successfully utilized in various fields such as energy, food, biological, and environmental research, leading to innovative outcomes in recent studies.