Researchers at the University of Warwick have just shattered a scientific record, performing an analysis on a sample of petroleum and assigning 244,779 molecular compositions. Such incredible sampling ability will prove valuable as elemental composition, and its associated viability, are much sought after within the petrochemical industry. The sampling protocol is documented in the journal Chemical Science.
The team’s technique is referred to as operation at constant ultrahigh-resolution, or OCULAR, and utilizes FT-ICR MS to analyze the petroleum sample. FT-ICR MS was combined with an algorithm, developed by the researchers to piece together the complete mass spectrum of the data.
The team hopes to utilize the data derived from these tests to create a fingerprint of a variety of complex mixtures within the petrochemical industry.