title: Assessing the performance of curtain flow first generation silica monoliths.
abstract: Analytical scale active flow technology first generation silica monolithic columns kitted out in curtain flow mode of operation were studied for the first time. A series of tests were undertaken assessing the column efficiency, peak asymmetry and detection sensitivity. Two curtain flow columns were tested, one with a fixed outlet ratio of 10% through the central exit port, the other with 30%. Tests were carried out using a wide range in inlet flow segmentation ratios. The performance of the curtain flow columns were compared to a conventional monolithic column. The gain in theoretical plates achieved in the curtain flow mode of operation was as much as 130%, with almost Gaussian bands being obtained. Detection sensitivity increased by as much as 250% under optimal detection conditions. The permeability advantage of the monolithic structure together with the active flow technology makes it a priceless tool for high throughput, sensitive, low detection volume analyses.
authors.affiliation: Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Arianne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soliven
authors.affiliation: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Manor Park, Tudor Road, Runcorn, UK.
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.affiliation: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Manor Park, Tudor Road, Runcorn, UK.
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Dennis
authors.affiliation: Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: R Andrew
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Shalliker
authors.affiliation: R&D Analytical Chromatography, Merck Millipore, Merck KGaA, Germany.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.affiliation: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Manor Park, Tudor Road, Runcorn, UK.
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ritchie
authors.affiliation: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Manor Park, Tudor Road, Runcorn, UK. Electronic address: tony.edge@thermo.com.
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Edge
mesh_terms: D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D010539:Permeability; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide
keywords: Active flow technology; Curtain flow; Parallel segmented flow; Silica monolith