Gradient Coated Aluminum Columns for Gas Chromatography

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This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is in the general area of separations science and in the subfield of gas chromatography. The thrust of this activity is the evaluation and refinement of a novel gas chromatographic column that has (a) a stationary phase of high thermal stability bonded to aluminum, (b) a gradient of film thickness of stationary phase that provides both high sample capacity and high resolving power, and (c) the ability to perform size-exclusion chromatography in addition to partition chromatography. These columns will be prepared by anodizing the internal surfaces of aluminum tubing and bonding stationary phases irreversibly to the anodized layer. Control of the depth and diameter of the pores which are produced in the anodized layer will be achieved by control and variation of the anodization conditions. Variation of the film thickness of the stationary phase will follow the natural variation of the thickness of the anodized layer along the axis of the tube. The effective diameter of the pores will be effected through selection of stationary phases with different molecular dimensions. The successful achievement of these Phase I goals should provide proof-of-concept that is necessary for Phase II work. The approach to gas chromatographic column preparation embodied in this research could impact significantly on the current chromatographic practice.