Features of metal capillary columns†

Because of the inertness of their inner wall surface and their excellent bending strength and flexibility, fused silica (FS) columns have made a great contribution to the progress of gas chromatographic (GC) analysis. While maintaining such satisfactory basic properties, it is important that GC capillary columns have durability to withstand elevated temperature, an inner wall surface structure resistant to buildup, and a large sample loading capacity. Highly inert metal capillary columns that fulfill all of these requirements have been developed. This article discusses the features of these columns, which appear to be useful GC separation columns in the future. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 12: 345–350, 2000