Estimation of the instrumental band broadening contribution to the column elution profiles in open tubular capillary liquid chromatography

In comparison with conventionally packed HPLC columns, from a theoretical point of view, open capillary liquid chromatography (OTLC) systems offer a number of advantages like high plate numbers and short analysis times. On the other hand, drastic changes have to be made to the instrumentation. In particular, the contribution to band broadening by the chromatographic equipment must be considerably reduced. In the present study an OTLC system was developed and evaluated, which yields satisfactory results for 26 μm i. d. columns. The determination of the contribution of the chromatographic equipment to the total band broadening is discussed.