Some design considerations in miniaturized electrokinetic separation systems

There is a great potential for miniaturized analytical separation systems, e.g. in process control, environmental monitoring, or clinical chemistry. Particularly, miniaturized electro-driven systems open many new possibilities. Most efforts in this area have been focused on cylindrical capillary columns. In the present paper, thin rectangular conduits are considered and comparisons with cylindrical tubes are made on the basis of theoretical models. A critical and limiting factor in electro-driven separations is the generation of heat. For a given cross-section, heat dissipation is more efficient in rectangular columns. Silicon is proposed as column material. Apart from the better thermal conductivity, monocrystalline silicon can be machined with an extraordinary precision when selective chemical etching procedures are employed. This precision is of central importance in the development of miniaturized high performance systems.