Chromatographic behaviour and comparison of column packed with sub-2 μm stationary phases in liquid chromatography

In order to reduce the analysis time and maintain good efficiency in liquid chromatography, it is advisable to simultaneously decrease the column length and the particle size of the chromatographic support. Therefore, several manufacturers have developed and commercialized short columns filled with particles that have a diameter smaller than 2 μm. The focus of this work was to check the chromatographic performance of such columns and compare possibilities offered by sub-2 μm supports with conventional columns in terms of analysis time reduction and efficiency improvements. For this purpose, different parameters were discussed namely: separation impedance (E), Knox curves (h,  vv), and number of plates by time unit (N/t0). Kinetic plots were also drawn. It appeared that sub-2 μm supports were well adapted to improve chromatographic performance and to reduce the analysis time. Furthermore, it was also demonstrated that the best chromatographic performances were reached with high pressure systems (up to 1000 bar).