Characterization of adsorption processes in analytical liquid–solid chromatography

This review discusses nonlinear chromatographic methods of importance for proper characterization of the adsorption processes in analytical chromatographic systems, with focus on reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Linear methods such as the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) method and the Snyder–Dolan hydrophobic-subtraction model will also be reviewed briefly. The nonlinear methods for adsorption isotherm determination and the tools for further treatment of the nonlinear adsorption data will be extensively treated in a way suitable for the general chromatographer. Applications of the various methods will be given and the outcome and conclusions will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on discussing the possibilities of combining linear and nonlinear methods in order to obtain a deeper and more complete investigation of the interactions in the actual phase system.