Ultrathin and Nanostructured Stationary Phases

Abstract Ultrathin and nanostructured stationary phases potentially enable faster separations over shorter distances with higher sensitivity than that possible with thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The strong dependence of planar chromatography performance on microstructure motivates investigation of new sorbent layers. This chapter surveys innovative stationary phases prepared from monolithic silica gels, monolithic polymers, electrospun nanofibrous polymer mats, nanostructured columnar thin films, and structures templated onto carbon nanotubes. General fabrication approaches and merits are summarized for each method. Implications of these new layers on instrumentation and other techniques are also described. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the future prospects of ultrathin and nanostructured media in planar chromatography.