Interpretation of chromatographic behavior of ions based on the electric double-layer theory

A retention model based on electrostatic theories is applied to the analysis of the ion-exchange chromatographic separation of ions. The adsorption of counterions and the ion-pair formation between ion-exchange sites and counterions are included in the model; these represent separation selectivity. A nonstoichiometric contribution, the accumulation of ions in an electrical double layer, is also involved in the model. The retention of ions is calculated by assuming these ionic properties for both eluent and solute ions. The comparison of calculated retention factors with experimental values gives insight into the ion-exchange nature of ions; e.g. a strongly adsorbed ion should have higher ion-pair formation ability, and vice versa.