High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical technique used to separate the components in a mixture, to identify each component, and to quantify each component. In our research, we use HPLC in quantitative analysis of aqueous solutions to obtain bulk information on (a) heterogeneous uptake of organic and inorganic pollutants on mineral particles; (b) formation of photo-induced secondary products in complex environmental processes. We have access to several HPLC systems at NMT including,

 

(a) Allegiant 1200 HPLC system

i. Location: Department of Chemistry

ii. Column(s): C18

iii. Flow range: 0.001 to 10.0 mL/min

iv. Column Temperature range: N/A

v. Sample Injection: Manual

vi. Detector(s): UV-Vis

 

 

 

(b) Allegiant 1100 HPLC system

i. Location: Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources

ii. Column(s): C18, Silica

iii. Flow range: 0.2 – 10.0 ml/min

iv. Column Temperature range: 0 - 55 ^oC

v. Sample Injection: auto sampler

vi. Detector(s): UV-Vis

 

In our catalytic development research for wastewater treatments, we mostly rely on Ion-exchange Chromatography (IC). Here, retention is based on the attraction between solute ions and charged sites bound to the stationary phase. Cation-exchange is used for the analysis of ammonium production during catalytic cycle. Anion-exchange is importance for quantitative analysis of major oxyanions (including nitrates, nitrites, and phosphates) and other possible matrix ions.

 

Instrument: Dionex ICS-5000

i. Location: Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources

ii. Column(s): Anion and Cation exchange columns

iii. Pump pressure range: 6000 psi maximum operating pressure

iv. Column Temperature range: N/A

v. Sample Injection: Manual

vi. Detector(s): Conductivity