Applications of nanoparticle-modified stationary phases in capillary electrochromatography

• Nanoparticles improve separation selectivity of capillary electrochromatography.
• Nanoparticles improve column efficiency of capillary electrochromatography.
• We summarize immobilization strategies for nanoparticles.
• Post-modifications expand applications of nanoparticle-modified stationary phases.
• We set out perspectives and issues for nanoparticle-modified stationary phases.

Nanoparticles, novel materials with considerable potential in various applications, have made a significant contribution to the development of stationary phases in chromatography. In capillary electrochromatography (CEC), the process for creating stationary phases has a substantial effect on separation performance. Due to their extraordinary properties, nanoparticles (NPs) can generally improve the separation selectivity, the column efficiency and the chemical stability of CEC.This review focuses on the latest applications and achievements of immobilizing NPs in stationary phases for CEC. For each type of NP, we describe different immobilization strategies, including physical adsorption on surfaces, covalent bonding and other methods. Also, we present more practical applications based on functional post-modifications of the stationary phase containing NPs. Further, we discuss potential directions and issues worth exploring for novel stationary phases containing NPs.