Gas chromatography (GC) is a technique that includes all chromatographic processes in which a substance to be analyzed is in the gaseous state or is converted into such a state. Miniaturized GCs are in high demand due to their portability, ability to operate in the field, low power requirements and low material cost. The focus of this thesis is on the development, testing and applications of portable analytical instruments, specifically miniature gas chromatographs.

In the first chapter, two portable gas chromatograph prototypes are described; including a miniature GC and an auto sampling GC. The second chapter describes student experiment development that incorporates mini GCs into the academic chemistry curriculum and focuses on teaching principles of chromatography or use a gas chromatograph as a tool. The third chapter focuses on development, testing and application of a portable auto sampling prototype GC to aid in the production of biofuels.