What is Ion Chromatography?

The term chromatography refers to a different molecular separation method between mobile and stationary phases based on various physicochemical properties. There are many types of chromatography used as analytical tools for environmental science, forensic medicine, metallurgy, biology etc. Some common examples are thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ion chromatography. Ion chromatography (IC) was introduced by Sigma as analysis technique by Small, Stevens and Bauman in 1975.

Ion exchange chromatography (commonly referred to as ion chromatography) uses an ion exchange mechanism to separate analytes according to their respective charges. It is normally executed in column units, but it can also be used in flat mode. Ion exchange chromatography uses a charged stationary phase to separate charged compounds including anions, cations, amino acids, peptides and proteins. In conventional methods, the stationary phase is an ion exchange resin with charged functional groups that interact with and hold oppositely charged groups of the compound. There are two types of ion exchange chromatography: cation exchange and anion exchange. In cation exchange chromatography, the stationary phase has a negative charge, the exchangeable ion is a cation, and in the anion exchange chromatography the stationary phase has a positive charge and the exchangeable ion is an anion. Ion exchange chromatography is commonly used to purify proteins using FPLC

Ion exchange chromatography is a charge-based separation technique. It is used to separate ions and other charged molecules. There are two types of ion exchange chromatography: cation exchange chromatography and anion exchange chromatography. In cation exchange chromatography, positively charged molecules are attracted to a negatively charged solid support and, in anion exchange chromatography, negatively charged molecules are attracted to a positively charged solid support . In ion exchange chromatography, the conductivity of the mobile phase (usually water or organic solvent) is very low, and it contributes to the binding of molecules. When a compound passes through it, the charge initially repels and elutes and the opposite charge Attract and elute. The strength of the interaction depends on the amount and position of charges on the molecule and on the functional group.