Concentration distributions in capillary zone electrophoresis: CZE in a spreadsheet

A straightforward model, with explicit mathematical solutions, for capillary zone electrophoresis, allowing the usage of multiple co-ions, is given. Consequences for the peak shape, electromigration dispersion, and detection are discussed. As only simple mathematical operations, e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and occasionally a square root, are used, the model is extremely spreadsheet compatible, and simulations are fast and easy. Simulations give results in terms of concentration distributions, electrical field strength profiles, and UV detection traces. The origins of system peaks, vacancy peaks/differential peaks, peaks/dips in UV detection traces, and trailing/fronting phenomena are explained in detail. Simulations of three co-ion background electrolyte with and without analytes are shown, and the quantitative aspects of system peaks are discussed. Simulations are in close agreement with experimental practice.