GLASS-SURFACE CHEMISTRY VIA GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY

We have developed special methods of inverse gas chromatography for surface characterization that are based on the use of capillary chromatography columns. The methods have adequate sensitivity so that low-surface-area materials such as glasses can be studied directly, rather than indirectly from analogous powdered samples (e.g. fused silica versus silica gels). Any material can be studied that can be drawn into capillary tubing of about 50-500 μm i.d.. When desired, powdered samples can also be examined. This paper describes the methods we have developed and presents examples that illustrate how the inverse chromatograms are interpreted and what types of information can be obtained. © 1990.