Monoliths - A new generation of chromatographic supports
I. Mihelič, T. Koloini, A. Podgornik, M. Barut, A. Štrancar
Acta Chim. Slov. 2001, 48, 551-564
Monolithic stationary phases are becoming very important field of liquid chromatography. Methacrylate based CIM Convective Interaction Media® monolithic columns and are produced via radical polymerization, which results in a rigid and chemically very stable porous monolithic structure. Some characteristics of small-scale monolithic columns and an example of extremely fast separation of biomolecules are presented in the paper. However, the preparation of large and homogeneous monolithic columns represents a big problem, because the heat released during the polymerization causes distortion of the monolithic structure. A mathematical model employing the polymerization kinetics for the prediction of the temperature profiles and a comparison with the experimental results is presented with the emphasis on the conversion and the rate od the heat release profiles. Finally, the characteristics of a large-scale monolithic column are presented.