Extracolumn band broadening in capillary liquid chromatography

A commercially available capillary LC instrument was modified to investigate and control the contribution of different instrument components on extracolumn band broadening. Quantitative estimations of dispersion induced by several equipmental parts were carried out. Injection parameters could be optimized to achieve the theoretical value of 12 for a profile factor describing a rectangular sample profile. Additionally, an additive injector flow channel dependent dispersion effect was found. A practical approach for minimizing instrumental effects in capillary LC is suggested. The results were compared with those obtained with an HPLC instrument designed for conventional size columns.