The properties of capillary columns with silica organic–inorganic MCM-41 type porous layer stationary phase

• A porous layer of MCM-41 type silica sorbent for gas–solid chromatography.
• Hybrid organic–inorganic sorbents based on silica.
• Selectivity of sorbents can be changed by varying the VTEOS/TEOS ratio.

In this work, we report the method of capillary columns preparation for gas–solid chromatography with a porous layer of MCM-41 type silica sorbent. The porous layer was synthesized by the sol–gel method inside the column. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements were performed to obtain information about the porous layer. The loading capacity of the prepared columns was investigated. An adsorbent selectivity was changed by using different relative contents of organic–inorganic precursors: vinyltriethoxysilane (VTEOS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Properties of the columns prepared are discussed. Separating examples of C1–C4 hydrocarbons and some other compounds are presented.