Characterization of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Mixtures by Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography

Abstract

The utilization of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) for analyses of mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), including those isolated from complex samples such as shale oil, is described. Factors that influence separation performance, including retention, selectivity, and efficiency, are examined. The use of different micellar systems and mobile phase additives, such as organic solvents to effect retention and cyclodextrins to exploit size selectivity, are investigated. In addition, narrow-bore capillaries and laser fluorimetry are used to enhance separation efficiency and detection sensitivity. The ability to accommodate real samples is examined and compared to HPLC.