Abstract:
Two analytical methods based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (HG-AFS) were established to accurately determine four target carbonyl compounds (viz. formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and 2,3-butanedione) and two target heavy metals (viz. arsenic and lead) in e-liquids, respectively. After derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine hydrochloride, the e-liquid samples were analyzed quantitatively by HPLC. The results showed a detection limit of 0.53-1.2 μg/L, measurement repeatability of 0.26%-2.2%, spike recovery of 90%-103%, and combined uncertainty of 1.6%-4.5%. After microwave digestion, the e-liquid samples were analyzed quantitatively by HG-AFS. The results showed a detection limit of 0.007-0.025 ng/g, measurement repeatability of 2.2%-4.5%, spike recovery of 95%-101%, and combined uncertainty of 2.2%-3.9%. The two established methods have the advantages of simple sample pretreatment, high sensitivity, good repeatability, and high accuracy, making them very suitable for the accurate determination of limited carbonyl compounds and heavy metals content in e-liquids, thereby supporting the implementation of national standards and the regulation of e-cigarettes.