Ionic Liquid Stationary Phases: Application in Gas Chromatographic Analysis of  Polar Components of Fuels and Lubricants

The capillary gas chromatographic analysis of polar components within fuels and lubricants was investigated using commercially available ionic liquid coated columns. The improved temperature stability and high polarity of these phases relative to polyethylene glycol were studied in one and two dimensions. In one dimension, the reduction in hydrocarbon matrix interference presents opportunities for improved quantitation and less sample preparation. In two dimensions, a reduction in second dimension retention was observed as phase polarity was increased providing a reminder that column sets should be correctly matched to sample composition for effective separation.