Recent advances in ion chromatography: A perspective

To properly ascertain what are the key advances in a field one must have a vision of where the field is going in the future. Generally such a view is myopic and focuses largely on one's own field of study. To give a clearer view of where ion chromatography is now and where it is going in the future, Herb Laitinen's 'Seven Ages of an Analytical Method' was applied to ion chromatography. Currently, ion chromatography lies in the sixth age, wherein the method is a standard procedure. Recent advances that open new areas of application for ion chromatography are noted as these pull the technique back into the fifth age. However, ion chromatography also teeters on the brink of the seventh age of an analytical instrument, in which a technique of greater convenience, selectivity and sensitivity (i.e., capillary electrophoresis?) replaces it. Thus many of the current advances in ion chromatography are improvements relative to capillary electrophoresis. While often overlooked, probably the most notable improvements in ion chromatography in recent years have been in its convenience. Such improvements are essential for a technique in its sixth age. For if the procedure is to remain a standard method, analysts must be confident and comfortable in its use.