Application of gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry in tea (Camellia sinensis): A comprehensive review

Abstract Gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) technology boasts several salient features, including fast detection, portability, simple sample preparation, and nondestructive detection, making it a highly appealing tool in tea research. By harnessing its prowess in detecting and analyzing volatile compounds present in tea, GC–IMS has found numerous applications within the broad realm of tea studies. These applications encompass discerning geographical origins, analyzing aroma profiles, classifying tea grades, distinguishing harvest seasons, monitoring aroma variations during processing, and storage, differentiating tea varieties and categories. In the current study, the development history and performance characteristics of GC–IMS technology are presented. Furthermore, the relevant research studies of the application of GC–IMS in tea field are summarized, highlighting its practical applications and impacts. Additionally, the promotion strategies and improvement methods for enhancing of GC–IMS in the qualitative analysis of volatile compounds are put forward. Looking ahead, the potential avenues for the application of GC–IMS in tea quality control, online monitoring of tea manufacturing, detection of tea adulteration, and tea storage environment management are proposed. The versatility and precision of GC–IMS make it a promising technology that can to some extent change the tea industry's understanding and assurance of product quality.