Physical
Chemistry and Separation Science: Thermodynamics
and statistical mechanics applied to obtaining a
more detailed, molecular-level understanding of: a)
gas, liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography;
b) solvent properties of and phase transitions in
liquid-crystalline systems; c) nonaqueous and aqueous
nonelectrolyte mixtures, including polymer solutions;
d) adsorption on surfaces and at interfaces; e) hydrogen-bonded
and charge-transfer molecular complexes.
Recent research has focused on the further development,
experimental testing and refinement of a novel unified
theory of chromatography. This theory is applicable
to gas, liquid and supercritical fluid mobile phases,
and to adsorbent and absorbent stationary phases.
Recent breakthroughs in the thermodynamics, theory
and practice of liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography
are being exploited to arrive at a more detailed and
quantitative molecular-level description of solute
retention.
Liquid crystalline systems exhibiting long-range orientational
order remain an area of continued interest and activity.
Theories of chromatographic shape recognition and selectivity,
and of surface adsorption and phase transitions have
been developed. Thermodynamic solution studies and
SFC separations utilizing liquid-crystalline stationary
phases have been completed. Additional theoretical research
in this rich field is in progress. |
