Voltage-induced variation of distribution coefficient in electrochromatography

Upon application of an electric field along a column packed with anion exchange support materials, the output of a recorder jumps beyond the baseline, and with continued application a peak is obtained. If, instead, the electric field is applied in a pulsed manner, two peaks result. These observations are explained as caused by a change in the concentration of the solvent. Applying positive and negative voltages produces positive and negative peaks, respectively. The peak height depends on the value of applied voltage. Simulations using the plate height theory agree well with chromatograms obtained experimentally. The value of the local applied voltage is also estimated. Overall, the behavior is something like an injection arising from the pulsed application of an electric field. We suggest that voltage pulsing might be used as a new technique for sample injection.