A chromatographic analysis of hindered diffusion of saccharides in silica gels

Summary The chromatographic technique as a means for experimental studies of diffusion in porous solids has been demonstrated. In this paper we report the effective diffusion coefficients which we have chromatographically obtained for two dextran samples and three low molecular weight solutes. The chromatographic method of measuring diffusional resistances in porous solids has the advantages of rapidity and simplicity. This method also provides information on the axial dispersion and distribution of a solute between the moving phase and the solvent held stationary in the pore. The elution curves of a packed column in pulse response experiments were analyzed by the method of moments to give the parameters of interest. The results indicate that pore diffusion of the solutes was appreciably restricted in comparison with diffusion in bulk solution. The degree of hindrance depended on the size of the diffusing substances.