Advances in the preparation and evaluation of GC capillary columns

Abstract

AbstractThe preparation of (glass) capillary columns of high quality is still not without difficulties. Six problems in this context are highlighted. Column material choice(l), glass wall modification(2) and coating(3) are considered to have reached a satisfactory level. Deactivation(4) is still in a state of flux. Quantitation(5) is the least satisfactory aspect of capillary GC. Scope expansion(6) will be helped by the introduction of new phases of high thermal stability and by the adoption of solutions exclusively applicable to capillary GC.Evaluation of (glass) capillary GC columns is a rapidly developing field. Hopefully the number and complexity of test or polarity mixtures will not expand much further and it will be possible to make a clear and generally acceptable choice.The preparation and evaluation of ever‐improving capillary columns is important to an ever‐widening group of chromatographers. Our opinion on selected topics in this already vast field is summarized in the following overview.