One
advantage ofmaking amonolithic column over a traditional packed
particle column is the synthesis of the stationary phase and
“packing” steps are combined together. The experiment described
herein requires students to create a column containing a polymeric
monolith and characterize it by using HPLC. Monolithic columns consist of a continuous network of particles
rather than the small beads used in most HPLC columns.
Themonoliths can be made with silica18,19 or with polymer.20-33
Polymeric monoliths have an advantage in that they do not
shrink during formation, unlike silica gel monoliths.25 There are
excellent reviews of monolithic columns by Stulik et al.,34
Svec,35,36 and Bakry et al.37 Advantages of monolithic columns
include choice of in situ reaction chemistry performed within the
tubing, multiple columns are easy to prepare at one time, and the
columns are inexpensive when made from poly(ether ether
ketone) or PEEK tubing and fittings.