Prepared polymethacrylate-based monoliths for the separation of cations by non-suppressed capillary ion chromatography

Abstract

This paper describes a novel analytical system for non-suppressed capillary ion chromatography. Methacrylate monolithic columns were prepared from silanized fused-silica capillaries of 320 μm i.d. by in situ polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate in the presence of 1,4-butanediol, 1-propanol and water as the porogen solvents. The introduction of cation-exchange sites was achieved by sulfonating the matrix with sodium sulfite to produce total cation-exchange capacities in the range of 45-105 μequiv/mL for a 25 cm column. The conditions (concentrations of sodium sulfite solution, reacting time and modified flow rate) of sulfonation were optimized. The hydrodynamic and chromatographic performances were estimated. Coupled with a conductivity detector, a capillary ion chromatography system was set up with the prepared column. Finally, the resultant column was used for the separations of five common univalent cations (Li+, Na+, NH4+, K+ and Cs+) using methanesulfonic acid as the eluent and four divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+) by non-suppressed capillary ion chromatography; the chromatographic parameters were further researched. © The Author [2013]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.