Regeneration of Partisil column

[Vivian Huang]

How do we regenerate iron-exchange column? For example, Partisil SCX.
Mobile phase:17 g of monobasic ammonium phosphate per L, adjust with phosphoric acid to a pH of 3.0, and mix.

After several times, we are getting very early retention time.

[Mark Tracy]

Your column could lose capacity for two reasons: the sites are clogged with polyvalent ions or the bonded phase is coming off. If it is the second, there is no hope. If it is the first, you can regenerate with a high ionic strength wash such as 1M ammonium sulfate or a chelating agent like pH 4 citrate.

Silica-based ion exchange columns are not as tough as typical C18 columns, and much less resilient that polymer-based ion exchangers. Treat your column gently and follow the manufacturer's recommended use and storage conditions.

[Vivian Huang]

Your column could lose capacity for two reasons: the sites are clogged with polyvalent ions or the bonded phase is coming off. If it is the second, there is no hope. If it is the first, you can regenerate with a high ionic strength wash such as 1M ammonium sulfate or a chelating agent like pH 4 citrate.

Silica-based ion exchange columns are not as tough as typical C18 columns, and much less resilient that polymer-based ion exchangers. Treat your column gently and follow the manufacturer's recommended use and storage conditions.

Thank you very much!

[DR]

I think Whatman offers that column in a compressible cartridge format - it has end fittings that you periodically tighten to prevent channeling as a result of the (inevitable) phase loss. It's not an ideal solution to the problem, but if you're stuck with that particular phase combination, it will save you some money in the long run.