Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Liquid Chromatographic Analysis

Abstract

This Perspectives article covers the most relevant current strategies aimed at reducing the environmental fingerprint caused by mobile phases in liquid chromatography. Modern stationary phases, such as columns packed with core–shell particles or stationary phases allowing high-temperature separations, are discussed. Mobile-phase additives creating secondary partitioning equilibria (micelle-forming reagents, cyclodextrins, or ionic liquids) and alternatives to acetonitrile as organic solvent are critically compared in terms of separation efficacy and wastes' toxicity. Advantages of CO2 and superheated solvents are also considered to complete the picture of the most recent developments in the field.