Novel method to prepare polystyrene-based monolithic columns for chromatographic and electrophoretic separations by microwave irradiation.
Microwave irradiation can provide a viable alternative to the traditional means such as ultraviolet light and thermal initiation for the preparation of monolithic capillary columns. Polystyrene-based monolithic stationary phases were prepared in situ in fused-silica capillaries and simultaneously in vials. The column permeability, electrophoretic and chromatographic behavior were evaluated using pressure-assisted capillary electrochromatography (pCEC), capillary electrochromatography (CEC) and low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC). With an optimal monolithic material, the largest theoretical plates for preparing the column could be close to 18,000 plates/m for thiourea in the mode of pCEC. Furthermore, the influence of the composition of the porogenic solvents (toluene/isooctane) on the morphology of organic-based monoliths [poly(styrene-divinylbenzene-methacrylic acid)] was systematically studied with mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The monoliths which were prepared with a high content of isooctane had a bigger pore size and better permeability, and hence resulted in a faster separation.
Zhang
Yu-Ping
YP
Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China. Beijing2008zyp@163.com
Ye
Xiong-Wen
XW
Tian
Meng-Kui
MK
Qu
Ling-Bo
LB
Choi
Seong-Ho
SH
Gopalan
Anantha Iyengar
AI
Lee
Kwang-Pill
KP
D000465:Algorithms; D053801:Capillary Electrochromatography; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008872:Microwaves; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects
D011137:Polystyrenes