1. What is Volume of Stationary Phase in Chromatography?

Definition: The volume of stationary phase is the amount of the motionless part of the chromatography column that interacts with the sample components.

Purpose: This calculation helps in understanding column characteristics and optimizing separation processes in chromatography.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V_s \) — Volume of stationary phase (m³)
• \( V_{mobile} \) — Volume of mobile phase (m³)
• \( C_m \) — Concentration of mobile phase (mol/m³)
• \( k' \) — Capacity factor (dimensionless)
• \( C_s \) — Concentration of stationary phase (mol/m³)

Explanation: The formula relates the volumes and concentrations of both phases through the capacity factor, which describes how long a component is retained by the stationary phase.

3. Importance of Stationary Phase Volume Calculation

Details: Knowing the stationary phase volume helps in method development, column characterization, and predicting retention times in chromatographic separations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the volume of mobile phase, concentrations of both phases, and the capacity factor. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the capacity factor (k')?
A: The capacity factor is a measure of how long a compound is retained by the stationary phase relative to the mobile phase.

Q2: How do I determine the concentration of stationary phase?
A: This is typically provided by the column manufacturer or can be determined experimentally.

Q3: What units should I use for volume?
A: The calculator uses cubic meters (m³), but you can convert from mL (1 mL = 1×10⁻⁶ m³) if needed.

Q4: Can this be used for different chromatography types?
A: Yes, it applies to various chromatography techniques including HPLC, GC, and TLC.

Q5: What's a typical capacity factor range?
A: Ideal separations typically have capacity factors between 1 and 10.