Dissolved H2 determination

Dissolved H2 measurement is used to measure the concentration of hydrogen gas present in solution in various liquid or polymeric media. This analysis is essential in the materials , packaging , fermentation processes and enriched water , where controlling degassing and hydrogen solubility directly influences the quality, stability and performance of products.

Hydrogen is a light and highly diffusible gas whose presence, even at low concentrations, can affect the mechanical or physicochemical properties of the systems studied. The measurement of dissolved H₂ is therefore a particularly useful control and research tool for industrialists.

Interest in the dosage of dissolved hydrogen

The quantification of dissolved H₂ meets several objectives depending on the field of application:

• assess the hydrogen content in hydrogenated waters , intended for consumption or clinical research,
• control the solubility and diffusion of gas in polymeric systems or packaging films ,
• monitor the production or consumption of hydrogen in fermentation or biotechnological ,
• check the tightness and stability of the materials used for gas storage or transport,
• study the phenomena of corrosion or embrittlement linked to the penetration of hydrogen into metals and alloys.

The analysis of dissolved H₂ is thus integrated into a global approach to the physicochemical characterization of materials and fluids, essential for R&D, quality control and validation of industrial processes.

Principle and analytical methods

The measurement of dissolved H₂ relies on sensitive and selective techniques capable of detecting very low concentrations of gas in liquid or solid matrices:

• GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) : the standard method for detecting and quantifying dissolved gases. After controlled degassing of the sample, hydrogen is separated by chromatography and identified by its characteristic mass spectrum. This method offers high accuracy, even at trace levels.
• Electrochemical methods : sometimes used as a complement for online monitoring or rapid measurement of the redox potential associated with hydrogen.
• Spectrometric techniques and analytical couplings : can be used for signal validation or calibration, particularly in the case of complex matrices (fermented solutions, composite polymers).

These approaches are carried out under controlled conditions in order to avoid gas losses and to obtain a representative measurement of the actual dissolved hydrogen concentration.

Sectors and matrices concerned

The dosage of dissolved H₂ finds applications in many fields:

• Hydrogen-enriched waters : verification of the actual dissolved gas content in functional waters, drinks or therapeutic solutions.
• Fermentation and biotechnological processes : monitoring hydrogen production as an indicator of microbial activity or fermentation kinetics.
• Materials and polymers : study of the permeability and degassing of films, membranes, tanks or composite materials used in packaging, gas storage or fuel cells.
• Metallurgy and engineering : analysis of diffusible hydrogen in metals to prevent embrittlement or internal corrosion phenomena.

To complement this analysis, YesWeLab offers other complementary services such as the measurement of dissolved oxygen, the determination of carbon dioxide (CO₂) , or the analysis of residual gases in polymeric materials and packaging. These combined tests make it possible to finely characterize the permeability, tightness and chemical stability of systems.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specialized in gas physicochemistry and materials characterization . These laboratories have high-precision GC-MS equipment and apply standardized protocols guaranteeing the reliability and traceability of results.

Most YesWeLab partners are certified or accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard and the COFRAC standard, ensuring full compliance with quality and metrology requirements.

The YesWeLab scientific team supports each client in defining the method best suited to their problem: choice of sampling method, degassing conditions, target concentration range or nature of the matrix to be analyzed.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab centralizes analysis management, from quote requests to report receipt. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers in the packaging, materials chemistry, fermentation, and biotechnology sectors have trusted YesWeLab to measure dissolved gases and optimize their processes.

Technical data

• Method: GC-MS
• Expertise: Physicochemical
• Sectors of activity: Packaging, materials, polymers, biotechnologies
• Measured parameters: Total dissolved hydrogen
• Examples of matrices: hydrogenated waters, fermented solutions, polymers, films, metals

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical recommendations adapted to your matrices and processes.