Stationary Phases in Gas Chromatography: Types and Key Insights
August 8, 2025
Author: Duilio Romanello
Gas chromatography (GC) is a fast and sensitive technique used to separate and analyze volatile and semivolatiles compounds. In GC, the sample is first dissolved in a suitable solvent, vaporized, and then introduced into the system. Separation occurs as the components interact with a stationary phase. The stationary phase in gas chromatography plays a critical role in determining the separation efficiency and resolution of analytes. A thorough understanding of the stationary phase is essential for optimizing GC performance.
What is the Stationary Phase in Gas Chromatography?
The stationary phase in GC refers to a non-volatile, heat-resistant material that is either coated on the inner walls of the column or packed within it. Analytes interact with the stationary phase, which impacts their retention and separation. The choice of stationary phase depends on the polarity and chemical properties of the analytes. Polar stationary phases retain polar compounds longer, while non-polar phases retain non-polar compounds longer. A clear understanding of stationary phases is essential for developing reliable and efficient gas chromatography solutions.
Types of Stationary Phase in Gas Chromatography
In GC, stationary phases can be categorized based on physical state, column type, and polarity.
Based on the Physical State
Based on their physical state, stationary phases for gas chromatography are categorized into solid and liquid stationary phases.
Solid Stationary Phase
In gas-solid chromatography (GSC), the stationary phase consists of a column packed with finely divided solid materials such as silica, alumina, or activated carbon. Separation occurs through adsorption, where analytes adhere to the solid surface; stronger adsorption leads to longer retention times. Solid stationary phases are commonly used to separate gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, as well as small volatile hydrocarbons. However, strong interactions between analytes and the solid surface can sometimes cause peak tailing.
Liquid Stationary Phase
In gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), the stationary phase consists of a thin liquid film coated onto an inert solid support or the inner surface of capillary columns. Separation occurs through a partitioning mechanism, where analytes dissolve into the liquid phase based on their solubility; compounds with higher solubility exhibit longer retention times. Liquid stationary phases can be either polar or non-polar, depending on the properties of the liquid used. GLC is commonly employed to separate organic compounds such as alcohols, amines, acids, and hydrocarbons.
Based on the Column Type
Classification based on column type is determined by how the stationary phase is incorporated within the column.
Packed Columns
Packed columns are filled with an inert solid support, which may be coated with a liquid stationary phase, such as silicone oil on diatomaceous earth. In some cases, solid materials like alumina or activated charcoal are used directly as the stationary phase. Packed columns are particularly effective for separating and analyzing gases and low molecular weight compounds but they are still very common in compendial pharmacopeia methods and industrial application.
Capillary Columns
Capillary columns are long, narrow hollow tubes with the stationary phase coated along their inner surfaces. They are available in two types: wall-coated open tubular (WCOT) columns and support-coated open tubular (SCOT) columns.
- WCOT Columns: In WCOT columns, a thin film of liquid stationary phase is directly applied to the inner wall of the capillary. The stationary phase can be a non-polar material like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or a polar compound such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). WCOT columns provide high-resolution separations and enable rapid analysis.
- SCOT Columns: In SCOT columns, the liquid stationary phase is coated onto a solid support material, which is then applied to the inner surface of the tube. SCOT columns offer greater sample capacity compared to WCOT columns and deliver performance that falls between that of packed columns and WCOT columns.
Based on the Polarity of the Stationary Phase
Stationary phases used in gas chromatography can be categorized into non-polar, mid-polar, and polar types. The polarity of the stationary phase is important as it impacts analyte retention times and separation.
Non-polar Phase
Non-polar stationary phases are hydrophobic or only weakly polar. Analytes interact primarily through dispersion forces, such as van der Waals interactions, with non-polar compounds exhibiting longer retention times. Common examples of non-polar stationary phases include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and squalane.
Mid-polar Phase (Moderately Polar Phase)
Mid-polar stationary phases, such as phenyl-methylpolysiloxane and trifluoro propyl methyl polysiloxane, allow analyte separation based on a combination of dipole-dipole interactions and dispersion forces. They are well-suited for separating moderately polar compounds, including aromatics, alcohols, and esters.
Polar Phase
Polar stationary phases consist of highly polar materials like polyethylene glycol (PEG) or cyanopropylsiloxane. Separation occurs through hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, or ionic interactions, leading to longer retention of polar analytes. These phases are ideal for separating polar compounds such as acids, alcohols, and amines.
Factors Affecting the Performance of Stationary Phase
Several factors influence the performance of the stationary phase in gas chromatography, and understanding these variables, along with practical GC technical tips, is key to achieving optimal separation and analysis.
- Polarity: Good analyte separation is obtained by matching the polarity of the stationary phase and the analytes. A mismatch results in poor separation and overlapping peaks.
- Film Thickness: Thicker films lead to longer retention, which is ideal for separating volatile compounds. Thinner films are recommended for less volatile compounds.
- Column Temperature: Temperature controls the vapor pressure of analytes. Too high or low temperatures lead to poor separation or broader peaks respectively.
- Chemical Stability: The stationary phase must be thermostable to prevent column bleed.
- Column Dimensions: Longer columns provide better resolution but take more time.
FAQs
Can I use one stationary phase for all kinds of samples?
No, you cannot use one stationary phase for all kinds of samples. Different samples have different polarity, volatility, boiling points, and reactivity. For a good resolution, the stationary phase needs to match the sample’s polarity. Gas chromatography is not ideal for analyzing samples that are thermally unstable or possess extremely high boiling points.
What is the stationary phase of a GC packed column?
In a GC packed column, the stationary phase consists of either uncoated solid particles or solid particles coated with a liquid. The separation of analytes in GC takes place through partition or adsorption, depending on the type of stationary phase.
