Abstract: Methods to generate a model of composition for a petroleum sample can include providing a petroleum sample to a two-dimensional gas chromatograph coupled with at least one detector. The chromatograph can have first and second columns. The chromatograph can be adapted to output data for each detector representing first and second dimension retention times corresponding to the first and second columns, respectively. The data representing the first and second dimension retention times for each detector based on the petroleum sample can be obtained from the chromatograph. Molecular components of the petroleum sample can be identified based at least in part on the first and second dimension retention times for each detector. The identified molecular components of the petroleum sample can be quantified based at least in part on integrated peaks of the first and second dimension retention times for each detector to generate a model of composition of the petroleum sample.

Abstract: A process for selective isolation of high molecular weight (˜1230 Daltons) naphthenic acids (Arn acids). The process includes providing a polymeric resin with a bound a quaternary amino group and applying a crude oil sample containing Arn acids to the polymeric resin. A first wash of an organic solvent is applied to the sample followed by a second wash of a polar organic solvent mixture. The first two washes remove unwanted crude oil compositions while the Arn acids are bound to the quaternary amino groups. A third wash of acidified organic solvent removes the Arn acids from the polymeric resin, thereby forming an elute comprising the Arn acids and the acidified organic solvent. The acidified organic solve is then evaporated isolating the Arn acids from the crude oil sample.

Abstract: Methods using homogeneous precipitation of a metal on a surface of a particle to prepare silica particles having the metal adsorbed thereon are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the silica particles having the metal adsorbed thereon can be used to prepare carbon coated silica particles. The carbon coated silica particles can be useful in a wide variety of applications including, for example, for use as sorbents in chromatography.

Abstract: Methods using homogeneous precipitation of a metal on a surface of a particle to prepare silica particles having the metal adsorbed thereon are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the silica particles having the metal adsorbed thereon can be used to prepare carbon coated silica particles. The carbon coated silica particles can be useful in a wide variety of applications including, for example, for use as sorbents in chromatography.