[Preparation and optimization of polymer-based monolithic stationary phase for high performance liquid...

Unstirred in-situ polymerization was employed to directly produce glycidyl methacrylate-ethylene dimethacrylate copolymer (poly(GMA-co-EDMA)) monoliths. Mercury intrusion method was adopted to measure some parameters of the monoliths, such as pore size distribution, porosity and specific surface area. Effects of key variables such as composition of pore-forming solvent mixture, temperature and content of cross-linking reagent, divinyl monomer on porous structure of monoliths were studied. The optimization of preparation conditions was achieved. Homogeneous micro porous structure was observed in the monoliths by scanning electron microscope. The effect of flow rate on back pressure was investigated, and good permeability of the monolithic stationary phase was obtained. The monolithic column was also used for the separation of goat serum and five oligonucleotides, and the results proved that the monolithic column is suitable for the separation of biopolymers.