Sol-Gel monolithic column with optical window and method of making
AssigneeUniversity of South Florida
InventorsAbdul Malik, James D. Hayes
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Abstract
A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.
Claims13
A method of preparing a monolithic column by forming a monolithic separation bed from a sol-gel solution in a single step.
A monolithic sol-gel column comprising a stationary phase formed by a one-step process inside a capillary tube.
A method for making a sol-gel column comprising:
- a) selecting an optically transparent capillary tube having a protective outer coating suitable for forming a monolithic column;
- b) sealing one end of said tube;
- c) adding sol-gel solution to an open end of the tube under pressure to form a filled column with a gas pocket at the sealed end of the tube;
- d) solidifying the sol-gel solution to form a bed;
- and
- e) removing a portion of the protective coating in the area of the former air pocket region adjacent the filled portion of the tube to form an optical window.
A sol-gel column comprising:
- a) an optically transparent capillary tube;
- b) a bed consisting essentially of a solidified sol-gel solution;
- and, c) an optical window means within a portion of said tube for providing for optical analysis of analytes exiting said bed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.