The Chromatographic Efficiency of Several Commercially Available Ion Chromatography Columns

Abstract

The influence of mobile phase flow rate on the efficiency of six commercially available ion chromatography columns was examined. Optimum performance was achieved at flow rates between 0.3 and 0.7 mL/min. For all but one of the columns studied, the column efficiency versus reduced velocity relationship was similar to the classical Knox-type behavior. Operation at typical use conditions for all the columns examined results in performance which is only 50 to 75% as good as when the columns are operated at the flow rates optimized in terms of efficiency. Such changes in the column efficiency are directly related to the column's ability to effectively resolve sample components.