LAUSR

Abstract This study aims to report the possibility of applying a sampling method using a carbon nanotube–based sampling tool for pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) to qualitative analysis of Asian lacquer. This sampling tool comprises multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and emulates the adhesive mechanism of geckos. To apply this sampling method to lacquer-containing archaeological samples, the films of Toxicodendron vernicifluum, T. succedaneum and Gluta usitata, which are East Asian lacquers, were subjected to Py–GC/MS analysis. Similar to the conventional Py–GC/MS, the pyrolysis product characteristics of the three lacquer films were detected. However, compared with conventional Py–GC/MS, a difference was observed in the peak intensities of several pyrolyzates; this difference revealed the compositional change of pyrolyzates. To investigate the compositional change of pyrolyzates in detail, the T. vernicifluum film was analyzed by Py–GC/MS in the presence of MWCNTs, and the pyrolysis mechanism of T. vernicifluum film was discussed. The results suggest that MWCNTs promote side-chain cleavage and hydroxyl-group removal and alkylcatechols decompose into alkylbenzenes via alkylphenols.