Monolithic silica stationary phases in liquid chromatography.

During the last few decades, monolithic stationary phases (based on silica and polymers) have been used for fast separations in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electro-chromatography (CEC). The present article describes the preparation, properties, and applications of these stationary phases. Attempts have been made to discuss the preparation of reversed-phase monolithic HPLC columns and CEC capillaries. The chromatographic properties of these phases have been described. The applications included their use in HPLC and CEC modalities of liquid chromatography. The optimization of separations of various molecules on these phases has been discussed. Efforts were also made to predict the future perspectives of monolithic stationary phases.