Hints and Tips

Gas Chromatography

Reduce the diameter of capillary columns to improve efficiency and resolution, but remember, sample capacity will be lower.

Beware �reverse solvent effects�. On-column injection may not be suitable for applications where the sample contains large concentrations of other compounds, as these can act as solvents, distorting any peaks before them due to partial solvent trapping. This is the �reverse solvent effect.�

Liquid Chromatography

Move to narrow bore columns to increase sensitivity and reduce solvent usage. But remember, in LC a narrower column does not increase efficiency.

Remember, reducing particle size from 10um to 5um doubles the number of theoretical plates but quadruples the back pressure. If possible use shorter columns to alleviate this problem.