Evaluation of a Doubly Zirconized Silica-Based Stationary Phase for HPLC

This paper describes the preparation, characterization, and application of a chemically bonded and endcapped C18 stationary phase having a doubly zirconized silica support. The stationary phase was characterized using infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C and ²⁹Si) spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and surface and thermogravimetric determinations, and evaluated chromatographically using several test mixtures, indicating acceptable efficiency, and asymmetry. The new phase was used for several different applications including the determination of the possible presence of six pesticides in orange juice, using a modified QuEChERS procedure for extraction.