Chromatography Forum

Hello

I was wondering if anybody had any experience with Zirchrom columns. I know they were originally designed to tolerate high temperatures. But having recently looked into it, they also seem to offer something unique in terms of the stationary phases.

For example the PBD is supposed to behave like C18 but it looks considerably different than a standard C18 column. I thought it might offer some unique selectivity.

Likewise the PS column is supposed to behave like a phenyl column but, here again, it looks somewhat unique; and I think it might behave differently.

Does anyone have any experiences to share with these columns. It would be good to have columns available with unique selectivity.

Hi hajdaei,

I've previously used their Carbon-clad Zirconia (CCZ) phase and found them very robust. Temperature and pH stable too. I suggest you consult one of their sales reps as to which type might be suitable for your separation task.

Good luck.


Victor Wong

I have not used these columns much, but I am familiar with their technology and results. They offer some reversed phase materials that are similar to C18 (but remember, not all C18's are the same), and some, like the carbon column, that are much different in selectivity.

Zirconia has different surface properties than silica, so understanding behavior can be confusing at first. The surface is covered with Lewis acid sites, and therefore attracts Lewis bases. And some anions, like phosphate, will sorb very strongly, and are difficult to remove. But Zirchrom has a good method development guide, and the staff are always willing to help.

The columns are indeed durable, so I suggest that you give them a try.