title: Moment analysis of mass-transfer kinetics in C18-silica monolithic columns.
abstract: The moment analysis of elution peak profiles based on new moment equations provides information on the mass-transfer characteristics of C(18)-silica monolithic columns. The flow rate dependence of the HETP data was analyzed using the generalized van Deemter equation, after correction of these data by subtraction of the external mass-transfer contribution to band broadening. Kinetic parameters and diffusion coefficients related to the mass-transfer processes in monolithic columns were derived by taking advantage of the different flow velocity dependence of their contributions to band broadening. At high flow rates, axial dispersion and diffusive migration across the monolithic C(18)-silica skeleton contribute much to band broadening, suggesting that it remains important to reduce the influence of eddy diffusion and the mass-transfer resistance in the stationary phase to achieve fast separations and a high efficiency. Surface diffusion plays a predominant role for molecular migration in the monolithic stationary phase. Although the value of the surface diffusion coefficient (D(s)) depends on an estimate of the external mass-transfer coefficient, D(s) values of the order of 10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) were calculated for the first time for the C(18)-silica monolithic skeleton. The value of D(s) decreases with increasing retention of sample compounds. Analysis of a kind of time constant calculated from D(s) suggests that the "chromatographic corresponding particle size" is approximately 4 microm for the C(18)-silica monolithic stationary phase used in this study. The accuracy of the D(s) values determined was discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso, Showa, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
authors.forename: Kanji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miyabe
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cavazzini
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gritti
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kele
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guiochon