Packed capillary column solvating gas chromatography using neat water mobile phase and flame ionization detection

Neat water at temperatures above its normal boiling point was used as a mobile phase for packed capillary column chromatography. The “universal” flame ionization detector (FID) was used for detection. No restrictor or back pressure was imposed at the column outlet. The effects of temperature on column efficiency and retention were investigated using particle-bonded continuous bed columns packed and crosslinked with 3 μm polybutadiene-encapsulated zirconia particles. It was found that when the column inlet pressure was held constant and the temperature was increased to values that were higher than 100°C, the pressure drop decreased rapidly, allowing the use of long columns or small particles. Solute retention factors decreased with increasing temperature; however, column inlet pressure had little effect on retention factor. Mass transfer resistance also decreased with an increase in temperature. Mixtures of alcohols and phenols could be separated within several minutes after the interface between the column and the FID was optimized. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 13: 41–47, 2001