Hybrid carbon nanoparticles modified core–shell silica: A high efficiency carbon-based phase for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography

• High efficiency core–shell silica combined with selectivity of carbon for HILIC.
• Reduced plate height of 1.9 (95,000 plates m−1) achieved.
• Hybrid phase has different selectivity than ten HILIC column chemistries.
• Mixed-mode HILIC/RPLC separations possible on the hybrid carbon–silica phase.
• Shape selectivity for positional isomers in HILIC.

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) is a fast growing separation technique for hydrophilic and polar analytes. In this work, we combine the unique selectivity of carbon surfaces with the high efficiency of core–shell silica. First, 5 μm core–shell silica is electrostatically coated with 105 nm cationic latex bearing quaternary ammonium groups. Then 50 nm anionic carbon nanoparticles are anchored onto the surface of the latex coated core–shell silica particles to produce a hybrid carbon–silica phase. The hybrid phase shows different selectivity than ten previously classified HILIC column chemistries and 36 stationary phases. The hybrid HILIC phase has shape selectivity for positional isomeric pairs (phthalic/isophthalic and 1-naphthoic/2-naphthoic acids). Fast and high efficiency HILIC separations of biologically important carboxylates, phenols and pharmaceuticals are reported with efficiencies up to 85,000 plates m−1. Reduced plate height of 1.9 (95,000 plates m−1) can be achieved. The hybrid phase is stable for at least 3 months of usage and storage under typical HILIC eluents.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide