Study of ion chromatography with ion-exchange fibers as the stationary phase

The application of ion-exchange fibers as the stationary phase in ion chromatography for the separation of inorganic anions has been studied. Results indicate that a separator column packed with VS-2 anion-exchange fibers and a suppressor column packed with VS-1 cation-exchange fibers have a similar separation efficiency to small-particle resin columns, but that the column pressure drop (ΔP) in fiber columns in only one-tenth of that in resin columns, at the same flow-rate. This allows the separation to be performed efficiently at a higher flow-rate and with lower presure, as shown for the separation of an anion mixture.