Enhancement of gas—solid chromatographic column performance by inert solid dilution

Abstract

Column packings comprising an active solid sorbent diluted with an appropriately chosen inert, diluent solid have extremely desirable chromatographic characteristics. Theoretical plate heights can be substantially reduced in gas—solid chromatography (GSC) and at least maintained in gas—solid—liquid chromatography (GSLC) or high-performance liquid chromatography. Of greater importance, total analysis times can be reduced to any desired extent without loss of efficiency, and often with gain. Reduced analysis time can be traded-off for operation at lower temperature, a valuable option where samples are thermally labile or subject to catalytic reaction. Examples of difficult C 1C 4 aliphatic hydrocarbon analyses, both by GSC and GSLC, are given and it is concluded that the inert dilution technique provides a viable route to the extension of these modes of chromatography to a wider range of sample types than is currently common.