What container type is recommended for collecting volatile organic compounds?

When collecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), glass containers are recommended due to their chemical inertness and impermeability. Glass does not interact with the compounds being sampled, which helps to maintain the integrity of the samples without introducing contaminants. This is particularly important for VOCs, which can easily evaporate or react with other materials, affecting the accuracy of the results.

In the case of metal containers, while they might be suitable for certain compounds, they can potentially react with VOCs or allow for desorption, which can alter the concentration of the analytes you're trying to measure. Plastic containers often contain additives or can leach chemicals that may interfere with VOC sampling or change the composition of the sample. Ceramic containers can also interact with VOCs and are generally less common for sample collection compared to glass. Therefore, glass is the best choice for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of VOC analyses.