Investigation into the Formation of Bubbles in Capillary Electrochromatography

Abstract

The formation of bubbles in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is well documented: possible origins include Joule heating and variations in EOF velocity on passing from the stationary phase through the frit and into the open tube. Methods for the prevention of bubble formation are discussed which are confirmed by experimental results. Using frit lengths varying from 1 mm to 6 mm it is shown how frit length is directly related to the likelihood of bubble formation and how this is affected by applied voltage. It is shown that the change in applied voltage across a capillary affects the formation of bubbles and also that rebonding octadecylsilane (ODS) onto the silica frit after formation of the frit can minimize the formation of bubbles and how this effects the chromatography. A method is also described for increasing the robustness of silica capillaries using a column coupler along with modifications made to conventional capillary electrophoresis equipment to cater for CEC.