Perfect order and its role in highly efficient liquid chromatography on micro pillar array columns (µPACTM) – Part 1: Permeability
Introduction
As stated by Giddings in the 1960’s, resolution and analysis time are two important factors for any given chromatographic separation. The ultimate goal is to maximize resolution while shortening the analysis time. The quest for higher resolution has driven manufacturers to produce columns with ever smaller particle diameters. By using smaller particles, the path length of the diffusion process is shortened and mass transfer kinetics are improved. Peaks will elute sharper (low plate heights (H)), providing better overall efficiencies or plate counts (N) (eq. 1). The length of a column (L) is another key factor determining its efficiency.