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Research Focus 2: Characterization of the Retention Mechanism of Stationary Phases Used in Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography

Reversed-phase (RP) chromatography is the most widely used of all liquid chromatographic (LC) methods.  The separation of a series of solutes in LC is governed by the retention mechanism of the phase, with both the stationary phase and the mobile phase controling said separation. We are interested in understanding the way these phases control the retention properties for particular stationary phase and mobile phase combinations. To do this, we use a conventional LC-UV-Vis (ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic detection) system with the capability to thermally control the separation. With thermal control we can monitor thermodynamic and kinetic properties that govern the separation. Phases of current interest include: octadecyl silica phases containing an embedded polar group, pentafluorophenyl phases, and phases with unique supports (such as hybrid particles).