Gas chromatography

Gas chromatography is the most mature of all chromatographic techniques. It can be performed with a solid or liquid stationary phase although most separations are performed with the latter. Materials used as stationary phases for both techniques are described. Mobile phases for GC are not interactive but they still play an important role in the separation process. Mobile phase selection and instrumental settings are discussed. Detection of eluted compounds is an essential part of the process and details are provided for the most common detectors. Although GC is a mature technique there are still innovative approaches that are described. The chapter concludes with a brief description of the separation mechanism in GSC and GLC plus broad aspects of applications.