HPLC Band Broadening

The aim of this module is to illustrate the principle of band broadening in HPLC. The van Deemter equation and the terms of the equation will be defined and explained. The effects of eddy diffusion, longitudinal diffusion, and mass transfer on the efficiency of chromatographic peaks will be explored.

At the end of this unit you will be able to use the van Deemter coefficients to illustrate how to optimize the efficiency (N) of chromatographic separations and to reduce band broadening.

Topics include:

• The van Deemter equation
• Eddy diffusion
• Longitudinal diffusion
• Mass transfer
• Optimizing flow rate
• Optimizing particle size
• Minimizing system volume