Effects of CSP Support Particle Size on the Performance of Larger Diameter Liquid Partition Columns

Abstract

The performance of larger diameter LC columns packed with different particle sizes of CSP (controlled surface porosity) support are compared with literature reports of similar studies made with narrow-bore analytical columns. The significant deviations from theoretical plate-height relationships with particle size that have been reported by other workers with the smaller particles in narrow columns were not found to occur with the larger, “infinite-diameter” columns and CSP support used in this study. Reduced plate height versus carrier velocity plots for the various particle sizes indicate that the smallest CSP particles (20–37 microns) can be packed into larger diameter columns with the same homogeneity as larger ones. Since theory predicts that separation efficiency improves continually with decreasing particle size, these results suggest that CSP particles smaller than those now commercially available should provide improved column performance. The effect of particle size on column permeability and column performance factors is discussed. The “infinite-diameter” columns of CSP support provide performance factors and effective plates per second that are significantly higher than any previously reported.