System eigenmobilities in zone electrophoresis: A general moving-boundary approach

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science
• Electrophoresis

Background:

• System zones are fundamental to capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) theory and practice.
• Existing vector-matrix models for calculating system mobilities can be complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an alternative, explicit model for calculating system eigenmobilities in CZE.
• To provide a universal algebraic equation for homogeneous zones of varying acid-base compositions.

Main Methods:

• Solving the differential form of the moving-boundary equation.
• Developing an explicit algebraic model for system eigenmobility calculation.

Main Results:

• A single, universal algebraic equation for system eigenmobility in acid-base systems.
• The model explicitly expresses system eigenmobility as a function of known quantities.
• Demonstration that the new equation unifies various simplified equations for particular systems.
• Identification of a novel, non-zero system eigenmobility in non-buffered systems.

Conclusions:

• The new model offers a more accessible and explicit approach to understanding system zones in CZE.
• The derived equation simplifies calculations for complex acid-base systems.
• The findings enhance the theoretical and practical understanding of electrophoretic systems.