particles are only enabled to enter the bigger or even biggest pores, hence their
residence time within the column is shorter. This implies an elution order of high
molecular weight analytes > medium molecular weight analytes > low molecular
weight analytes. The pore sizes and their distribution determine the range of molecular weights that can be separated on the individual columns.
Retention time
Column
Gel of the
stationary
phase
with
defined
pore size
Compounds of different sizes
Particle of
the
stationary
phase
with
defined
pore size
Size exclusion chromatography
Fig. 4.16 Principles of size-exclusion chromatography
56
4 Instrumental Analysis