Enhancing the separation performance of the first-generation silica monolith using active flow technology: Parallel segmented flow mode of operation

• Use of active flow management technology to monolithic columns.
• Demonstrated improvement in efficiency by as much as 115%.
• Demonstrated a reduction in peak asymmetry by as much as 26%.

Active flow technology (AFT) columns are designed to minimise inefficient flow processes associated with the column wall and radial heterogeneity of the stationary phase bed. This study is the first to investigate AFT on an analytical scale 4.6 mm internal diameter first-generation silica monolith. The performance was compared to a conventional first-generation silica monolith and it was observed that the AFT monolith had an increase in efficiency values that ranged from 15 to 111%; the trend demonstrating efficiency gains increasing as the volumetric flow to the detector was decreased, but with no loss in sensitivity.