Multilayer chitosan-based open tubular capillary anion exchange column with integrated monolithic capillary suppressor

We describe a multilayered open tubular anion exchange column fabricated by alternately pumping solutions of chitosan and glutaraldehyde. The column is terminated in an integrally bonded monolithic suppressor cast around a mandrel of a tungsten wire, composed of an acrylic acid (AA)-ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) monolith that is made with sufficient porogen for the monolith to function as a membrane. For a 4.5m long 75 μm bore column coated with 24 successive layers of the condensation polymer (estimated to contain ~72 molecular layers) and coupled to 1cm length of a suppressor fabricated with 55-60% AA, effective separation of several common anions (F(-), Cl(-), NO(2)(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-), average number of theoretical plates ~12,000) and adequate suppression of 1 mM KOH used as eluent was observed at a flow rate of 800 nL min(-1) to obtain sub-picomol detection limits at an operating pressure of ~1 bar. The separation is not time efficient but the system can be meritorious in unique niche applications where a small form factor is desired and liquid volume and power consumption are more important than separation speed.