This review covers the principles of two dimensional gas and
liquid chromatography (2DGC and 2DLC) and briefly introduces the theory
accounting for the increase in separation resulting from a greater
peak capacity than
for the one dimensional (1D) mode.
The advance in the techniques from multi-dimensional to
comprehensive chromatography is discussed. The more recent development of
multi-dimensional chromatography ion mobility mass spectrometry receives a
mention to highlight the added dimension of molecular size and shape (molecular
collision cross section) as an enabling tool for increasing component
separation and peak capacity.
Although both the techniques of 2DGC and LC are described the
focus is on the environmental and food applications of 2DGC, principally when
coupled to mass spectrometry, with TOFMS and HRMS as prime examples.
