Harald Ertl

New separation device that allows fast gas chromatography of large samples

Gaschromatography (GC) is a widespread method to separate components in complex mixtures. The separation in the gasphase follows three main principles: - separation by molecular sieves where the molecules are selected by their size - separation on solid phases using adsorption forces - separation on liquid films (stationary phases) using different solubilities of the molecules in the liquid phase. Normally the mixtures are injected as a vapour or liquid (which is vaporized in the injectorblock) on a GC-column. The components are transported by the mobile phase (carrier gas) through the column which is packed with solid carrier particles coated with a liquid film.