Application of dynamic temperature gradients and profiles for capillary LC through the application of a new thermoelectric array based column heater - David Collins, Damian Connolly, Dermot Brabazon, Mirek Macka and Brett Paull

Having a defined and well regulated control of temperature during chromatographic separations is of critical importance for every separation method. Capillary columns exhibit rapid thermal equilibration and precise application and control of longitudinal temperature gradients along the capillary column could provide interesting insights into band broadening processes within the column itself. By using thermoelectric modules in a platform column heater, simultaneous heating and cooling is possible. By creating an array of such modules with distinct thermally isolated zones, the generation of both static and dynamic temperature gradients and profiles along the length of the column can be created. The advantages and applications of such a system are numerous; increased separation efficiency, peak selectivity, temperature based trap and release, intermediate cooling or heating, flow through reaction control and thermal polymerisation to name but a few applications.