Ultra-short columns for low-pressure ion chromatography.

Since the development of low-pressure ion chromatography (LPIC), many inorganic cations and anions as well as organic acids could be analyzed at a low-pressure of 1.96 x 10(5)-2.94 x 10(5) Pa. And the ultra-short columns took the place of the common long chromatographic columns. Furthermore, the ultra-short columns of LPIC not only reduced the system pressure appreciably, but also achieved high sensitivity and precision. In order to assess the characteristics of the super-short columns, much analysis, i.e., the analysis of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition-metals, rare-earth elements, inorganic anions and organic acids as well as the common amino acids, were conducted. Moreover, excellent results were obtained from the LPIC columns.