Express gas chromatography on multicapillary columns and its potential

Abstract

Approaches to the acceleration of chromatographic processes are considered. The most radical way to reduce separation time is shown to be the use of short capillary columns with a small-diameter (10–50 μm) capillary. Limitations on the applications of such columns are discussed, a major one being the introduction of an extremely small amount of sample. This can be overcome by using a pack of capillaries with a small diameter. This works as a single chromatographic column and is called a multicapillary column (PAC). The amount of sample introduced in the column is greater, making it possible to work over a wide range of concentrations. Different types of PAC are considered. The mechanism of the broadening of the chromatographic peak on PAC and its properties are discussed. Examples of using the column for gas liquid and gas adsorption chromatography are given. Examples are also given of the use of PAC in catalytic studies.