Pressurized solvent extraction of secondary char from hydrothermal carbonization: sample preparation and analytical strategy shape GC-MS results

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate how extraction and sample preparation affect the analysis of secondary char using GC-MS.
• Utilized pressurized solvent extraction for sample preparation
• Employed GC-MS for chemical characterization
• Analyzed the impact of drying and derivatization on results
• Drying and derivatization significantly altered the reported chemistry of secondary char
• Pressurized solvent extraction improved the quality of GC-MS results
• Distinct patterns in chemical profiles were observed based on preparation methods