Concepts, selectivity options and experimental design approaches in multidimensional and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (C2DGC) offers excellent separation efficiency that serves advanced analysis of volatiles and semi-volatiles in multicomponent and multiple chemical class samples. This review presents an overview of concepts and experimental approaches to continuous flow C2DGC starting from classical single injection C2DGC (conventional GC×GC) to using repeat injections with a longer second column. A strategy of multiple heart-cut multidimensional GC (CH/C MDGC) to construct a variant that is also comprehensive in concept is reviewed, along with various methods – a continuum – between these extremes. Recent selectivity-optimised systems in GC×GC, including new stationary phases or other multiple column arrangements and their applications are also highlighted. The review presents a fundamental background to guide column selection for specific applications in conjunction with experimental design, and future trends.