Packed column supercritical fluid chromatography using stainless steel particles and water as a stationary phase

Stainless steel (SS) particles were demonstrated as a novel useful support for a water stationary phase in packed column supercritical fluid chromatography using a CO2 mobile phase. Separations employed flame ionization detection, and the system was operated over a range of temperatures and pressures. Retention times reproduced well with RSD values of 2.6% or less. Compared to analogous separations employing a water stationary phase coated onto a SS capillary column, the packed column method provided separations that were about 10× faster, with nearly 8-fold larger analyte retention factors, while maintaining good peak shape and comparable column efficiency. Under normal operating conditions, the packed column contains about 131 ± 4 μL/m of water phase (around a 5% m/m coating), which is over 25× greater than the capillary column and also affords it a 20-fold larger sample capacity. Several applications of the packed column system are examined, and the results indicate that it is a useful alternative to the capillary column mode, particularly where analyte loads or sample matrix interference is a concern. Given its high sample capacity, this packed column method may also be useful to explore on a more preparative scale in the future.